When dealing with potential chemical or biological agents, what should be the first goal?

The primary goal when dealing with potential chemical or biological agents is to limit the distribution of the material. This aim is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, controlling the spread of a hazardous agent can significantly reduce the risks to individuals and the environment. By isolating or containing the area where the chemical or biological threat is present, emergency responders can prevent further exposure and contamination, which is vital to public safety.

Limiting distribution also facilitates more effective emergency response actions. When the area is contained, it allows emergency services to assess the situation and deploy appropriate containment and decontamination measures without the complication of dealing with further spread of the agents. This approach minimizes chaos and allows for a more organized and efficient response.

In addition, while evacuating the area, contacting emergency services, and protecting staff are all important actions, they should typically follow the initial step of limiting the distribution of the hazardous material. Activation of proper containment procedures tends to take precedence, as it lays the groundwork for all subsequent actions in a chemical or biological incident response.