(1) Remove patient's personal effects. Remove the patient's personal effects from his protective overgarment and BDU pockets. Place the articles in a plastic bag, label with the patient's identification, and seal the bag. If the articles are not contaminated, return them to the patient. If the articles are contaminated, place them in the contaminated holding area until they can be decontaminated, and then return them to the patient.
(2) Cut the patient's overgarment. The overgarment jacket and trousers may be cut simultaneously. Two persons may be cutting clothing at the same time. Cut around bandages, tourniquets, and splints, leaving them in place.
NOTE
A cut is a separation of material by use of a cutting device that cuts material into two pieces. EXAMPLE: Cutting the sleeve from the cuff to the jacket collar is one cut.
CAUTION
Bandages may have been applied to control severe bleeding and are treated like tourniquets. Only medical personnel remove bandages, tourniquets, and splints.
(3) Remove overgarment jacket. Make two cuts, one up each sleeve from the wrist up to the shoulder, and then through the collar ([Figure G-4]). Do not allow the gloves to touch the patient along the cut line. Dip the cutting device in the 5 percent hypochlorite solution before making each cut to prevent contamination of the patient's uniform or underclothing. Keep the cuts close to the inside of the arms so that most of the sleeve material can be folded outward. Unzip the jacket; roll the chest sections to the respective sides, with the inner surface outward. Continue by tucking the clothing between the arm and chest. Roll the cut sleeves away from the arms, exposing the black liner.
