In the case of a chemical attack, what should be the first step taken?

In the event of a chemical attack, the first step is to decontaminate and then proceed to treat affected individuals. This is essential because chemical agents can cause immediate harm and ongoing exposure can lead to further injury or complications. Decontamination is critical to reduce the amount of toxic substance present on the skin, clothing, or other surfaces that could lead to sustained exposure.

By prioritizing decontamination, responders can mitigate the risks associated with the chemical exposure before providing any specific treatment for injuries, as treating individuals who are still contaminated could result in exacerbating their condition or causing harm to the responders as well.

While assessing for injuries is also important, it should come after ensuring individuals are decontaminated to prevent further complications. Evacuation might be necessary, but it should not occur before decontamination as that could expose more people to the harmful agent. Calling emergency services, while crucial, is typically done simultaneously with decontamination or after ensuring individuals are safe to prevent further harm. This order of operations helps ensure that the situation is handled effectively and safely.