To reduce the risk of exposure, the initial action in first aid is to

• A. Remove exposure source
• B. Rinse the skin with water
• C. Call for medical help
• D. Move to fresh air

Answer: (A)

The essential move is to stop the hazard at its source. Removing the exposure source immediately limits how much contact or inhalation the person continues to experience, which reduces harm right away. For example, if a chemical is on the skin, take off contaminated clothing and step away from the source so the chemical stops contacting the body. If fumes or heat are involved, move the person away from the area or away from the source. After the source has been removed, you would proceed with decontamination (such as rinsing the skin with water), getting to fresh air if needed, and calling for medical help as appropriate. The reason this is the best first action is that stopping ongoing exposure prevents further injury and makes the subsequent steps more effective.