What steps should a Company Officer take after a potential exposure is identified?

When a potential exposure is identified, the first step is to ensure that the incident is properly reported and managed to protect the health and safety of all personnel involved. Contacting the Emergency Communications Officer (ECO) or on-duty EMS Officer is essential as they have the knowledge and resources to handle such situations effectively. This immediate communication allows for prompt evaluation of the exposure and ensures that appropriate medical protocols are initiated if necessary.

Alerting Fire Dispatch can also play a crucial role, as it may be needed to mobilize additional resources or provide relevant information to responding medical personnel. Quick and decisive action in these scenarios is vital to safeguard the wellbeing of personnel and to facilitate any necessary medical interventions.

In contrast, ignoring the exposure or sending all members home does not address the potential risk and may leave personnel unmonitored and without appropriate guidance. Additionally, a team meeting at the end of the workday, while useful for communication, may delay the critical response required in the moment of exposure and does not substitute for the immediate actions needed to assess and manage the situation.