In emergency decontamination, what approach should be taken if a victim's clothing is heavily contaminated?

The most effective approach in a situation where a victim's clothing is heavily contaminated is to immediately remove that clothing, ideally down to the underclothing. This action is crucial because contaminated clothing can continue to absorb and retain hazardous substances, posing an ongoing health risk to both the victim and those providing assistance. By removing the contaminated items as soon as possible, the direct exposure to the harmful agents can be significantly reduced, allowing for safer decontamination of the skin and the surrounding area.

Immediate removal also helps to minimize the risk of secondary contamination to first responders and the environment. It's important to follow proper safety protocols during this process, such as using personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the responders from becoming contaminated themselves.

The other approaches—like leaving the clothing on, covering it with layers, or burning it—do not effectively address the risk of continued exposure and can lead to further complications in the decontamination process.