After identifying a hazardous material incident, what should you do next?

In the context of a hazardous material incident, the priority must always be the safety of yourself and others before taking any further actions. Ensuring safety involves assessing the scene for potential dangers, such as harmful chemicals, fire hazards, or other risks that could affect bystanders and emergency personnel. This includes establishing a safe perimeter and ensuring that no one enters the area until it is deemed safe.

Once safety is guaranteed, further actions like identifying the chemical or providing assistance to patients can be initiated. While standard equipment and identification are critical steps in handling hazardous materials, they should only occur after confirming that you and others are out of harm's way. This approach minimizes the risk of exposure to hazardous substances and helps maintain a safer environment for both responders and bystanders as information on the hazardous material is gathered and appropriate procedures followed.