What is an important step to take after decontamination of a casualty in a CBRN incident?

Administering the preferred antidote is crucial after decontaminating a casualty in a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, or Nuclear (CBRN) incident because it directly addresses the potential effects of the specific agent involved. Decontamination removes harmful contaminants from the casualty’s body and prevents further exposure, but the antidote is essential for neutralizing the effects of the agent that has already entered the body or affected the casualty’s systems. By providing the antidote, you are actively engaging in the treatment protocol that can mitigate life-threatening symptoms and improve the chances of survival and recovery.

The other options, while they may have their uses in different scenarios, do not address the immediate medical needs following decontamination in the context of a CBRN incident. Notifying local authorities and conducting psychological evaluations are important steps in an overall response plan but do not have a direct impact on the casualty's immediate medical treatment following exposure. Providing intravenous fluids can be beneficial in some contexts but is not the priority when a specific antidote is available to counteract the toxin's effects. Therefore, administering the preferred antidote remains the most critical action immediately after decontamination.