Media Release
Decontamination activities protect responders, civilians, environment
EDGARTOWN, MA- As part of the effort to control a hazardous materials incident, emergency action is sometimes required to remove or isolate hazardous materials from emergency responders, victims, or equipment - a process called decontamination. "Decon Team," distributed by Emergency Film Group of Edgartown, MA, is a video-based training program that addresses the many issues involved in selecting, setting up, and running a decontamination area during hazardous materials incidents. It has recently been updated with latest information about new decontamination methods and new policies regarding decon activities. Now available in both VHS or DVD versions, "Decon Team" is designed for emergency responders, hospital staff, military personnel, and remediation workers who may be assigned to carry out decontamination activities.
"Decon Team" explains the difference between exposure and contamination and discusses the factors that affect the severity of contamination. It shows how emergency responders can protect themselves against contaminants by proper use of protective clothing and equipment and by following other safety measures. The program advocates a pro-active approach to decontamination, including pre-incident planning to ensure decon team members will know their roles and that necessary equipment and supplies will be available. It also describes the duties of the Decon Unit Supervisor - the leader of the decon team. Current methods of decontamination are discussed, as well as the basic stations in the decon process and what occurs in each station. Other topics covered include how contamination occurs, off-site decon, decontamination of victims and equipment, and medical evaluation. An accompanying Leader's Guide provides pre- and post-seminar testing materials, ideas for field and classroom exercises, a copy of the script for reference and reference material that will be useful to emergency responders.
Technical advisors for "Decon Team" include Frank Docimo, President of Docimo & Associates, a consulting firm that specializes in training emergency responders in EMS, hazmat and counterterrorism issues; Zachary Goldfarb, Principal of Incident Management Solutions, Inc., a New York-based consulting firm specializing in planning, training, and operational leadership for emergencies and major events; Greg Noll, Senior Partner in Hildebrand Noll Associates, a consulting firm specializing in hazardous materials emergency planning and response; and Paul Penn, Vice President/Western Director of the Environmental Hazards Management Institute.
Founded in 1989, Emergency Film Group is the world's leading producer of emergency response training programs. Among its 100-plus titles are programs created for the US Department of Justice, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the Security Command of the Utah Olympics. Thousands of copies of these programs are training the finest emergency responders around the country.
