What is the correct decontamination station staffing configuration as described?

• A. A team leader, 1 cutter, medical department representative, and monitor
• B. Team leader, 2 cutters, medical department representative, monitor
• C. Team leader, (1 or 2) cutter, medical department representative, monitor
• D. Two team leaders and no cutter

Answer: (C)

A decontamination station operates best with a small, clearly defined team: a team leader to direct operations, one or two cutters to physically remove contaminated clothing and perform initial decon, a medical department representative to assess injuries and coordinate care, and a monitor to oversee safety, flow, and communication. The number of cutters isn’t fixed—one cutter can handle smaller incidents, but two cutters may be needed for higher workload or multiple victims to keep decontamination moving quickly without compromising safety. Having two team leaders or omitting the cutter entirely would hinder actual decontamination work. So, a team with a leader, one or two cutters, a medical representative, and a monitor best fits the described staffing.