Which statement about secondary decontamination is accurate?

Which statement about secondary decontamination is accurate?

• A. It is performed after the primary responders have completed their decontamination.
• B. It is never used in HazMat responses.
• C. It is performed for victims or equipment as they leave the decon corridor.
• D. It is optional and only used for major incidents.

Answer: (C)

Secondary decontamination targets contaminants that may still be carried by victims or gear after the initial clean-up, ensuring that nothing dirty enters the clean areas or treatment spaces. The best choice reflects this purpose and timing: it’s performed for victims or equipment as they leave the decon corridor, right at the boundary between potentially contaminated zones and the safe areas where care or handling occurs. This placement helps prevent spreading contamination as people and gear move toward medical treatment or support zones.

It's not limited to after the primary responders finish their own decon, and it isn't never used in HazMat responses. It's normally an ongoing step in many incidents to protect responders and hospital staff, and it isn’t optional or restricted only to major incidents.