What procedure ensures the removal of hazardous materials from patients before treatment?

Decontamination is the procedure specifically designed to remove hazardous materials from patients before any medical treatment can safely occur. This process is crucial in situations involving hazardous substances, such as chemical spills or biological contaminants, as it helps to minimize the risk of further harm to the patient as well as to healthcare providers and others in the vicinity.

During decontamination, the patient is typically stripped of contaminated clothing and rinsed thoroughly with water or other specific solutions, depending on the nature of the hazardous material involved. This step is vital to prevent any harmful agents from entering the healthcare facility and to protect other patients and emergency responders from potential exposure.

In contrast, assessment involves gathering information about the patient's condition and specific needs but does not address the removal of hazardous materials. Isolation pertains to separating infected or potentially contaminated individuals from others to prevent the spread of disease and is not focused on the physical removal of contaminants. Evacuation refers to moving patients from a hazardous area to a safer location but again does not include decontamination itself. Therefore, decontamination stands out as the appropriate procedure for ensuring patients are free from hazardous materials before treatment can be initiated.