2004 Press Releases
Hazardous Materials Specialists from Rome Fire Dept. Conduct a Two-Day Contamination Workshop for Staff ROME -- Hazardous materials specialists from the Rome Fire Department conducted a two-day decontamination workshop for Rome Memorial Hospital staff in June to train them how to decontaminate patients who arrive at the hospital after potential exposure to hazardous materials. According to Kathy O’Rourke, RN, director of the hospital’s emergency department and the hospital’s disaster coordinator, the training took place the week before the hospital implemented its disaster management plan in response to two separate anthrax threats. “Although both incidents proved to be hoaxes, our ongoing training has prepared us to respond quickly and accurately to potential threats,” she said. Historically, the hospital’s hazardous materials training focused on chemical exposure because the greatest potential threat was from a manufacturing accident or an overturned transportation vehicle carrying a dangerous chemical. “A chemical accident is still the most likely threat we face,” O’Rourke said. “However, since 9/11 there has been a heightened emphasis on training hospitals to respond to potential exposure to biological, nuclear and chemical agents.” The curriculum for the two-day workshop was developed by Rome’s hazardous materials specialists to ensure that the hospital met specific certification requirements. “The Rome Fire Department is a valuable partner and resource for us and we are very grateful to them for leading the June workshop,” said O’Rourke. “They geared the workshop to meet our specific needs to train staff in early recognition and response.” Funding for the training was made available through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The two-day workshop included both textbook and hands-on training. The decontamination training team consisted of Rome Fire Department Haz Mat Specialists Michael H. Liddy, Lt. David Gratch and Kennth J. Iacovissi who developed the program. Supporting the program were Rome Fire Department Chief Roger Sabia, Lt. Joseph Edwards, Deputy Chief Joseph Gualteri, the hospital’s HRSA Grant Coordinator Kim Weiler, RN, Bioterroism Coordinator Leanna Grace and O’Rourke. Eighteen staff members from a cross section of the hospital were trained, including personnel from nursing, laboratory, radiology, maintenance and housekeeping staff. “The goal of our team is to always have someone available if an event occurs,” said O’Rourke. During the training, the hazardous materials specialists used decontamination equipment that was acquired from the former Griffiss Air Force Base hazardous materials team. The hospital has also purchased numerous pieces of equipment to use in the case of a contamination incident, including Class C protective garb, boots, gloves and shower decontamination equipment. O’Rourke said that the hospital will be conducting follow-up decontamination training once a year to update staff on the most current decontamination procedures. “It’s through ongoing training and strengthening our relationships with our community partners that we ensure that we’re ready to respond in the event of a real incident,” O’Rourke said. “The Sept. 11th terrorist attacks have proven that the unimaginable can become reality. Yet, the community can be confident that we have prepared for the increased threat by working together.” | 