What is Mass DECON primarily used for?

Mass decontamination is primarily used to address the urgent need to decontaminate a large number of individuals who may have been exposed to hazardous materials, especially during a high-casualty incident such as a chemical spill, terrorist attack, or hazardous material release. This method is vital in situations where time is of the essence, and numerous people may require immediate decontamination to minimize the risk of further exposure or contamination spreading.

The process involves efficiently removing contaminants from people en masse, often using techniques such as portable showers or other rapid decontamination methods. This approach helps to manage large groups of affected individuals swiftly, ensuring public safety and reducing the burden on emergency medical services. In contrast, other options focus on single individuals or more controlled processes, which are not feasible in scenarios involving mass casualties where immediate and widespread action is necessary.