What is the first step in providing immediate care to patients exposed to chemical agents?

The first step in providing immediate care to patients exposed to chemical agents is to remove contaminated clothing and rinse the skin. This action is crucial because chemical agents can adhere to clothing and the skin, leading to further absorption of the harmful substance into the body. Prompt decontamination significantly reduces the risk of adverse effects and systemic absorption.

By removing clothing, you decrease the surface area that the chemical can affect and help mitigate ongoing exposure. Rinsing the skin with water helps wash away the chemical agents, minimizing their harmful effects. This immediate response is essential for ensuring the safety of both the patient and the healthcare providers, as it also helps reduce the risk of secondary contamination.

Other steps, while important in the overall emergency response process, should follow this initial decontamination. Administering an antidote, transporting to a hospital, and performing CPR (if necessary) are vital actions but are secondary to the immediate need to remove contamination and start the decontamination process to protect the patient’s health.