Responding to a hazardous materials incident presents unique risks, including personal and bystander protection, specialized equipment, decontamination, medical monitoring, and recovery. Only personnel trained to the operations level should enter contaminated sites. Medical responders should have an awareness level of knowledge to ensure personal and patient safety. On scene arrival, measures should be taken to protect the community, establish incident command and zones of operation, and identify the agent or agents involved when possible. Resources exist to assist in agent detection based on shipping papers, vehicle or building placards, or other forms of identification. Decontamination processes should be established early and are best performed in the field; however, hospital staff must be prepared to do so as patients may depart the scene and report to the nearest hospital without being decontaminated. In addition to patient care, medical monitoring and rehabilitation of response personnel should always be a priority.