An Approach to Hospital Decontamination Team Development at a University Hospital

Three years after the World Trade Center terrorist event, hospitals are still under increased pressure to ensure an adequate level of disaster preparedness. One facet of this preparedness is the ability to respond to the release of hazardous materials appropriately. While the threat of terrorism has led to an increase in public attention, the need for such capability extends well beyond the realm of defence against intentional release of a hazardous substance. Accidental exposures also require an adequate response plan. One key element in such a plan is the development, training and use of hospital decontamination teams. This paper will discuss a novel approach to the development of a hospital decontamination team at an urban university hospital.