05/05/2008

Jourdanton, Texas—Satisfactory emergency preparedness for all types of disaster situations is an essential component lacking in many areas. All too many times, medical facilities, emergency service providers and entire communities learn that there was not a sufficiently satisfactory plan of action or collaboration between the emergencies resource groups until after a crisis has devastated their population.

On April 28, 2008, South Texas Regional Medical Center (STRMC) practiced their external Decon procedures in an effort to enhance their situational preparedness for a disaster situation. STRMC is an active member of South Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC), which entitles them to receive many emergency preparedness supplies throughout the year.

The Decon Team of STRMC, along with the Atascosa County HAZ MAT mobile unit coordinated an intricate on site demonstration to exhibit speed, thoroughness and synchronization of the Decon procedures and emergency supplies currently on hand to this community. STRMC wishes to send a special thanks to the Chuck Garris, Atascosa County LEPC and the Pleasanton Volunteer Fire Department for their participation in this drill.

Thanks to the shared efforts of all organizations involved, Atascosa County is now better prepared to facilitate quality emergency care to the citizens of their community.

In the event of an emergency contamination, special tents equipped with showers for decontamination of victims are available. Emergency teams can then pass victims onto a triage area for medical treatment. Showers are equipped with hot and cold running water and heating and/or cooling systems to regulate the climate control for extreme temperatures.

 Atascosa County's Volunteer Fire Department is on-site to provide direction and aid for emergency services needed at the disaster location.

STRMC's Deacon Team stands in front of a decontamination tent that can be erected in 3 minutes or less to begin decontamination of victims before sending them to triage.