Emergency decontamination must take place in the decon corridor.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not necessary in all cases
• D. Only for radiological incidents

Answer: (B)

Emergency decontamination is intended to reduce contamination as quickly as possible at the site of exposure, not wait for the decon corridor. The decon corridor exists as part of the controlled, thorough decontamination flow between hot and cold zones, but urgent decon should be performed immediately on scene—removing contaminated clothing, wiping or brushing off debris, and rinsing with water if available—to limit spread and protect responders and others. After this rapid step, a more thorough decon can occur in the designated decon area. Decontamination is required for chemical, biological, and radiological threats, but it isn’t restricted to the decon corridor, and emergency decon is not dependent on being inside that corridor.