What is the recommended sequence for removing contaminated clothing after OC exposure?

• A. Stop exposure, remove contaminated clothing from the skin, wash skin with water, then irrigate eyes if contacted; bag and tag removed items.
• B. Remove clothing first, then wash skin, then stop exposure, then irrigate eyes.
• C. Stop exposure, irrigate eyes, wash skin with water, remove clothing; bag items.
• D. Bag and tag removed items, then remove clothing, then wash skin, then stop exposure.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to prevent ongoing exposure and contain contamination by acting in a careful, logical order. Start by stopping the exposure so OC cannot continue to irritate skin or eyes. Then remove contaminated clothing from the skin to eliminate the main reservoir of OC and reduce spread to other areas or people. After that, wash the skin with water to rinse away residue that remains on the body. If the eyes were contacted, irrigate them to flush OC from the ocular surface as soon as you’ve begun cleansing the skin. Finally, bag and tag the removed items to prevent further spread and to maintain proper handling and documentation of the contaminated clothing. This sequence reduces ongoing exposure, limits contamination, and ensures proper cleanup and containment of used items.