What does personnel decontamination refer to?

Personnel decontamination refers to the process of neutralizing or removing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) contamination from individuals. This is a critical procedure aimed at ensuring the safety and health of personnel who may have been exposed to hazardous substances. The goal is to effectively cleanse the affected individuals of contaminants to prevent further exposure and health risks.

In the context of CBRN scenarios, decontamination involves specific techniques and agents designed to remove or neutralize harmful substances from the skin, clothing, and any other surfaces that may have come into contact with the contamination. This not only protects the individual but also prevents the spread of these contaminants to others and the environment. Understanding this process is vital for aircrew members, as they need to be prepared for situations where they might encounter hazardous materials.