DECONTAMINATION DRILL AT REYNOLDS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
The Marshall County Health Department was proud to be a part of the Decontamination Drill with a patient surge that was hosted by WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital today.
In attendance: RMH staff, Moundsville Fire Department, Marshall County OEM, Marshall County Home Land Security, Wheeling Fire Department, Wheeling Hospital representatives, Marshall County EMS. Also in attendance were students from West Liberty University - Nursing, BM Spurr - Nursing, John Marshall Monarch Medical Students, Glen Dale Fire and EMS, and others
Emergency decontamination training with patient surge refers to preparing healthcare staff and first responders to handle a large number of people (a surge) who may be contaminated by hazardous materials (chemical, biological, or radiological).
It focuses on:
- Rapid set up of decontamination areas (showers, containment zones)
- Triage: Separating those needing immediate care from those who can wait
- Safe removal of contaminates: taking off clothes, washing, or neutralizing hazardous substances.
- Maintaining safety for staff and patients (PPE, contamination control)
- Coordination between hospital, EMS, and Public Health agencies to manage high volumes efficiently. It's training designed to keep both responders and patient safe while quickly processing and treating large groups exposed to dangerous substances.
For more information, please contact:
The Marshall County Health Department 513 Sixth St. Moundsville WV, 26041 (304)845-7840
