Final answer:
The first response to an exposure incident is immediate safety and decontamination of the impacted individual, followed by assessing the potential damage based on the type and amount of hazardous substance involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the event of an exposure incident, the first response should be to prioritize immediate safety and decontamination of the affected individual. This involves removing the individual from the exposure source and beginning first aid measures. If the exposure is due to a hazardous substance, such as a radioactive material, it is crucial to assess possible damage by gathering information on the type and amount of material ingested, and the duration of exposure. This information will be vital for medical personnel to determine the necessary treatment and to mitigate health risks. Prompt initiation of protocols, based on the nature of the hazard and the degree of exposure, is essential. In the case of radioactive ingestion, consultation with a toxicologist or a poison control center may be required. Moreover, wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for medical personnel to avoid secondary contamination while attending to the patient.