What safety measure should be taken when a chemical exposure is suspected?

When a chemical exposure is suspected, using detection equipment is vital for confirming the presence and type of hazardous materials in the environment. Detection equipment, such as chemical sensors or detectors, provides real-time data about the air quality, identifying toxic substances and allowing responders to assess the risk effectively. This step is crucial for ensuring the safety of firefighters and any potential victims, enabling appropriate protective measures to be implemented.

While other actions, such as notifying the media, reassessing the scene, or increasing visibility, may be relevant in different aspects of emergency response, they do not directly address the immediate need to identify and understand the chemical hazard present. The priority is to ensure a safe operating environment by accurately detecting hazardous conditions, thereby guiding further actions and ensuring the safety of all personnel involved.