News

Beebe Medical Center Stays Prepared to Meet Public Needs In A Chemical Emergency

10/23/07

Beebe Medical Center works to stay prepared to help those in the community in case of a hazardous chemical spill or a release of biological chemicals during a terrorist attack.

Recently, team members of Beebe Medical Center and the Sussex County Emergency Medical Services took part in a drill that tested their readiness for one of these chemical emergencies. As part of the drill, a large, yellow, decontamination tent was set up in the grounds of Beebe Medical Center where team members practiced their training.

'Depending upon the gravity of the situation, we know that federal, state or local agencies would be the first to respond," says Justin McCracken, Safety Coordinator at Beebe Medical Center. "But even before the first responders are able to arrive, Beebe Medical Center must be ready to decontaminate and treat the people in our community who would be affected."

Beebe Medical Center, following a protocol set forth by the Joint Commission, carries out these emergency drills twice a year. In a real life situation, the hospital would set up the decontamination tent in order for team members to decontaminate individuals who flee to the hospital before the first responders arrive. Then, these people could be treated in the hospital for any health problems. Specially designed protective clothing and equipment would protect team members working in the decontamination tent.

Caption: Beebe Medical Center Security Supervisor Ron Webster, left, Trauma Registrar Michelle Arford-Granholm, and Safety Coordinator Justin McCracken were among those team members who took part in the emergency drill.

Beebe Medical Center is a not-for-profit community medical center with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health with the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit us online at www.beebemed.org