Storage trailer converted for decontamination

Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital has a new tool to utilize, after a trailer previously used for storage was converted into a decontamination unit.

Griff Hodson, director of Environmental Services and the emergency management coordinator for the hospital, explained the trailer was previously used for storing emergency management equipment. Through the health care coalition - Thermopolis is part of Region 5, which covers Hot Springs County, part of Big Horn County and Washakie County - the funding was acquired for the conversion, as it was recognized Hot Springs County was the only one left without decontamination abilities.

Hodson provided a brief walkthrough of the trailer. A ramp is set up on the back end , for people to walk up. There is also a middle railing, which can provide a stable surface for responders to slide up patients who are on backboards and a deployable roller rack system to bring the backboard on into the trailer.

Within the trailer itself, there are curtain-separated areas for patients to strip, shower - with hot water, thanks to a portable water heater - dry off and get dressed in a gown before entering the hospital.

Hodson said situations in which the trailer would be used include wet and dry chemical spills. He also noted a train derailment a few years ago, during which people were heavily coated in diesel fuel.

"If it's a large scale [event]," Hodson said, "they're going to be calling the Regional Hazmat 6 team," which will go out on site. The trailer will stay on-site at the hospital, he explained, so in case someone comes there they still have the ability to decontaminate. However, it is also mobile, and could be taken to sites if needed and it didn't leave the hospital vulnerable.

Looking ahead, Hodson plans to have a training in the next month, and though hospital staff could be used to play victims he will also contact the schools to maybe get some drama students participating as well. He would also like to set up the trailer at the annual health fair.

Hodson said the trailer was the vision of his predecessor, Skip Zancanatta, who has since passed the torch. "By finding the right method and the funding we were able to see his vision come all the way through."