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Decontamination of First Responders
- Skin Decontamination: Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion (RSDL) - designed to be carried by First Responders and military personnel, has been approved as a medical device to remove or neutralize chemical warfare agents on the skin. This product consists of a lotion-impregnated foam sponge in an impermeable packet. RSDL is highly effective in removing and or neutralizing chemical warfare agents (vesicants and nerve agents) and performed significantly better than the predicate device against the agents tested. The foam applicator immediately removes the chemical warfare agent off the skin and the chemical warfare Agent is chemically inactivated. Once the chemical warfare Agent is decontaminated, RSDL leaves a non-toxic residue that can be rinsed off when operational conditions allow.
- RSDL Usage Instructions.
- Use product if skin contamination by chemical threats is suspected.
- Tear open package.
- Remove lotion saturated sponge.
- Decontaminate exposed skin by rubbing sponge in a circular motion.
- Allow RSDL lotion to remain on the skin for a minimum of 2 minutes.
- Rinse RSDL lotion off skin when time permits.
- Avoid combining RSDL with some commonly used decontamination materials such as solid powdered HTH (calcium hypochlorite) or solid powdered Super Tropical Bleach. The RSDL vehicle (MPEG) when combined with these solid materials, like other organic materials such as suntan lotion and fuel, can cause spontaneous combustion.
- Link to Prehospital Management section
- Begin washing PPE of the first responder using soap and water solution and a soft brush. Always move in a downward motion (from head to toe). Make sure to get into all areas, especially folds in the clothing. Wash and rinse (using cold or warm water) until the contaminant is thoroughly removed. Link to RSDL background information.
- Remove PPE by rolling downward (from head to toe) and avoid pulling PPE off over the head. Remove the SCBA after other PPE has been removed.
- Place all PPE in labeled durable 6-mil polyethylene.