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Chemical incident zoning — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardMajor Incident ManagementChemical incident zoningDIPIMCDipIMC

Responders arrive at a scene where several people have suddenly collapsed in an enclosed space with no obvious trauma, raising concern about a hazardous substance. Which approach best reflects safe management of a possible chemical incident?

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Correct answer: D — Apply STEP 1-2-3, set up zones, and decontaminate before definitive care

Multiple casualties collapsing without trauma should raise suspicion of a chemical or hazardous agent, and safe management uses a stepwise caution (for example the STEP 1-2-3 principle), control zones (hot, warm and cold), appropriate protection and decontamination before definitive care. Rushing in unprotected risks incapacitating the responders and worsening the incident. Transporting contaminated casualties without decontamination spreads the hazard. Pearl: a sudden cluster of collapses in one location is itself a warning sign of a hazardous-materials incident.

Reference: JESIP Joint Doctrine; MIMMS