decontamination triage

Decontamination triage is the systematic process of assessing and prioritizing individuals for decontamination based on their contamination levels and associated medical needs. This approach is crucial in hazardous materials incidents, particularly within the context of the Incident Command System (ICS), as it facilitates the efficient allocation of resources and minimizes the risk of secondary contamination. Not to be confused with standard medical triage, decontamination triage specifically addresses the unique challenges posed by hazardous substances and their potential health impacts.