When a green hazardous plume is observed emanating from a crashed vehicle, what is the first step you should take?

• A. Approach the vehicle to render aid.
• B. Start treating the driver.
• C. Call for additional units.
• D. Notify the Hazardous Materials team.

Answer: (D)

Recognize that a green hazardous plume means a potential hazardous materials release, so safety for everyone on the scene comes first. The immediate action is to notify the Hazardous Materials team so they can assess the risk, establish a safe exclusion zone, and determine the proper PPE and decontamination needs. Approaching the vehicle to render aid or starting treatment before the hazard is contained can expose you, bystanders, and the patient to dangerous substances and risk contaminating others. HazMat will guide entry, containment, and any required decontamination, and they can request additional units as needed. Only after the scene is secured should patient care proceed.