Patient Management � Decontamination

�Patient decontamination should be performed after stabilization of the patient. Removal of clothing usually occurs in the field, prior to transport to the hospital.

�The approach to decontamination as described in the slide will minimize contamination of and exposure to attending personnel.

�If internal contamination is suspected, take nasal swipes and 24 hour urine and fecal collections.

�Unfamiliar embedded objects in patient�s clothing or wounds may be radioactive sources. Handle with long forceps, handle only briefly, and keep distant from staff and patients until proven, with a survey meter, not to be radioactive. If radioactive objects are recovered, they should be placed in a lead container using tongs or forceps and then placed at a distance from staff and patients.