Final answer:
Victims undergoing decontamination are prioritized based on medical triage, with the most critical patients receiving treatment first, regardless of age or sex. NFPA and NIOSH guidelines ensure the safety of personnel with appropriate protective gear and protocols on waste disposal and instrument cleaning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Victims going through decontamination are typically prioritized based on medical triage. This means that the severity of their condition and the urgency of their need for treatment is assessed to determine the order in which they will undergo decontamination. Medical triage is designed to efficiently manage resources and provide immediate care to those who require it most urgently, regardless of age or sex. Standard protocols, such as those recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines, include wearing appropriate protective gear and ensuring proper disposal of contaminated waste through methods like incineration or autoclaving in a strong basic solution. Instruments exposed to contaminants must also be thoroughly cleaned and soaked in a strong basic solution to prevent any risk of further contamination.