state decontamination program needs assessment€¦ · decon tents and trailers are designed to...
TRANSCRIPT
Minnesota Management & Budget, 203 Administration Building, 50 Sherburne Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55155
Telephone: 651-259-3800 • Fax: 651-797-1311 • TTY: 800-627-3529 • www.mad.state.mn.us/
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
State Decontamination Program Needs Assessment March 2011
Project team Peter Butler
Mark Scipioni
Division director Bill Clausen
Assistant director Kristin Batson
Contact information Voice: 651-259-3800
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: 651-797-1311
Website: www.mad.state.mn.us
Address:
203 Administration Building
50 Sherburne Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
Other formats To obtain these materials in an alternative format, — for example, large print or cassette
tape — call voice 651-259-3800 or Minnesota relay, 7-1-1 or 800-627-3529 (voice, TTY,
ASCII).
Copies of this report For more information or copies of this report, contact the Minnesota Department of
Public Safety – Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Management Analysis & Development Management Analysis & Development is Minnesota government’s in-house fee-for-
service management consulting group. We are in our 26th
year of helping public
managers increase their organization’s effectiveness and efficiency. We provide quality
management consultation services to local, regional, state, and federal government
agencies, and public institutions.
Contents
Executive Summary 1
Introduction 2
Decontamination Basics 3
State Decon Program Assessment 4
National Guard Decon Capabilities 14
Hospital System Decon Capabilities 15
Geographic Analysis 18
Potential Equipment Options 21
Conclusions and Recommendations 24
Appendices
Hospital Equipment Detail 25
Map 3: Potential Locations for Fire Department Decontamination Equipment Based on Population Concentrations 32
Map 4: Minnesota Fire Department and Hospital Decontamination Equipment 33
1
Executive Summary
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Homeland Security and Emergency
Management (HSEM) requested a statewide needs assessment of the fire service’s
decontamination (decon) capabilities. In 2004, HSEM distributed 19 decontamination
trailers to 15 fire service regions. From the beginning, the trailers’ mechanical problems
have limited their use and undermined fire chiefs’ confidence. Additionally, many
interviewees believe that the trailers only benefit their immediate locations because they
will not arrive quickly enough to most areas to assist in an incident.
Many fire service personnel stated that decontamination training is the most pressing
issue rather than equipment. Mass decon events are extremely unlikely and many small,
volunteer fire departments often lack time and funds for general training. Since 2004,
Minnesota hospitals and the National Guard have significantly expanded their decon
capacities. Additional investment in fire service decon equipment will create a parallel
system unlikely to be used. Supplementing standard fire hoses and nozzles with gross
decon supplies could be the most cost effective preparation for on-scene decon, but
requires transporting victims to hospitals for secondary decon.
Thirteen counties lack any fire service or hospital decon equipment. Seven counties are
located in northwest Minnesota, three in the southeast corner, and three in east central
Minnesota. These counties have almost 300,000 people total. A hypothetical scenario
siting equipment in county seats over 3,000 people would require 28 tents or trailers.
Recommendations
1. HSEM should provide statewide leadership to ensure that fire departments are trained
on mass decon; that basic, standard gross and mass decon procedures are developed
and distributed, and that fire departments know how to request decon resources from
a larger department or hospital through the state duty officer. This leadership role
includes communicating the state program’s intentions for the next several years.
2. As a coordinator and planner, HSEM should work with the Minnesota Department of
Health’s Office of Emergency Preparedness to develop a unified response plan for
hospitals and fire departments to follow during a decon event. The plan would specify
on-scene decon capabilities and transporting victims to the hospital for more thorough
decontamination.
3. HSEM should determine the number of state decon trailers to support based on their
other potential uses, desired response time, and HSEM’s willingness to provide
annual funding. The trailers are more likely to be used as shower units for responders
or community members affected by fire or a natural disaster. For example, perhaps
the state would only require three trailers outside the Twin Cities Metro area for an
ongoing support role if a three to four hour response time is acceptable.
4. Trailer repairs should be evaluated from a total cost and opportunity cost solution. For
example, removing heavy components may reduce a trailer’s weight and cost less
than adding reinforcements that require a department to purchase a $40,000 tow
vehicle. Or, limited funds could purchase tents rather than pay for trailer repairs.
2
Introduction
Minnesota fire departments are the primary responders to hazardous materials incidents,
and must have decontamination capabilities to protect exposed citizens from death and
injury. The Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division’s Decontamination
(Decon) Program acquired 19 decontamination trailers six years ago and transferred
ownership to local host departments. The trailers became a significant part of the state’s
mobile decontamination capabilities but have not performed as expected and state staff is
concerned about their effectiveness and readiness.
Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) leadership contracted with
Management Analysis & Development to perform a statewide needs assessment to
identify gaps in decontamination response capabilities and possible solutions. Data was
collected through:
Web research and document review on decontamination equipment, procedures,
the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association – Emergency Management
Committee’s 2006 trailer planning efforts and the state program’s history.
In-person interviews with personnel from the State Fire Marshal’s Office,
Minnesota State Colleges and University’s Fire/EMS/Safety Center, and the
Minnesota National Guard’s emergency response units.
In-person and telephone interviews with the 11 Chemical Assessment Teams
(CAT)1 leaders, the Bloomington, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Crow Wing County
bomb-squad commanders, and the Excelsior and International Falls fire chiefs.
Telephone interviews with the 30 regional representatives from the Minnesota
State Fire Department Association and Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association
and each association’s president and vice president, leadership of the Minnesota
Professional Fire Fighters, Minnesota State Volunteer Firefighters Association,
and trailer host departments’ fire chiefs.
Day and evening focus groups in Grand Rapids (five participants) and Owatonna
(15 participants). Perspectives included fire departments, local emergency
management, chemical assessment teams, and MnSCU fire trainers.
Telephone and e-mail communication with the healthcare system preparedness
supervisor and seven regional healthcare preparedness coordinators from the
Minnesota Department of Health – Office of Emergency Preparedness.
The project team gave brief presentations at the Metro Fire Chiefs Association’s August
2010 meeting, the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association’s 2010 annual conference,
and the Fire Service Advisory Committee’s September 2010 meeting. The Minnesota
Geospatial Information Office produced two maps showing decon equipment locations
and population concentrations.
1 Ten city fire departments and one contractor staff are each assigned to a region and supported with state
funds. Their primary responsibility is assessment and technical assistance for local fire departments in
incidents that exceed the departments’ capabilities and knowledge.
3
Decontamination Basics
Decontamination is the physical and/or chemical removal of hazardous materials from
people and equipment to prevent health effects and re-contamination.2
Types of decon
Gross (primary) decon is the initial phase that significantly reduces the surface
contaminate. Fire departments can perform gross decon using their fire hoses and nozzles
to create a low-pressure shower for victims to walk through. Key problems are inability
to contain the runoff and cold weather. However, large amounts of water dilutes runoff
and ―victims can be washed off in cold weather and survive hypothermia if they are
moved to a warm building or vehicle as soon as possible.‖ 3
Portable showers, swimming
pools, building fire sprinkler systems and school or health club group-showers can also
decon victims.
The extent of the decon process depends on the victims’ pain level, exposure area (hands
only, for example) and the hazardous materials’ severity, reactive properties, and physical
form (vapor, liquid or solid). De-clothing removes about 80 percent of most solid and
liquid contaminants and is 100 percent effective for vapors.
Mass (secondary) decon is decontaminating large numbers of people at the scene as
quickly as possible and is more thorough than gross decon. A three-step process requires
removing and bagging contaminated clothes, showering, and drying and re-clothing with
temporary gowns. Responders carry non-ambulatory victims or tracks with rollers are set
up. Decon tents and trailers are designed to facilitate the three-step process.
Technical decon is for emergency responders and hazardous materials teams, and is a
planned process supporting hazardous materials mitigation. Dry decon uses non-aqueous
methods to remove the contaminant. Techniques include brushing off or vacuuming the
materials or using absorbent towels, decon foam or lotions, or electro-static tools.
Equipment
This report frequently discusses tents/deployable shelters and decon trailers. Both provide
a three-step decon process. Descriptions and photographs are available at:
http://www.reevesems.com/sheltersystems/DecontaminationSystems.aspx
http://www.acsi-us.com/emergency-decon-trailers.asp
2 This section is based on Noll, Gregory G. and James Yvorra, Hazardous Materials: Managing the
Incident, International Fire Service Training Association (2005), CAT leader and fire chief interviews,
http://firechief.com/tactics/firefighting_cold_shock/, www.ceep.ca/education/DecontaminationandPPE.ppt
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_decontamination. 3 Noll, Gregory G. and James Yvorra, Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident, International Fire
Service Training Association (2005), page 541.
4
State Decon Program Assessment
In summer 2004, federal Office of Domestic Preparedness funds allowed Minnesota to
purchase 19 trailers for mass decontamination in a weapons-of-mass-destruction event or
hazardous materials spill. Minnesota State Fire Department Association (MSFDA)
regional representatives helped design the bid specifications and the state awarded the
trailer contract to Advanced Containment Systems, Inc., of Houston, Texas
(http://www.acsi-us.com/). Each trailer cost $85,000.
One department in each of the 15 MSFDA regions was asked to own, store and maintain
a trailer. The cities of Bloomington, St. Paul and International Falls and the Metropolitan
Airports Commission (MAC) also received trailers. A region can deploy its trailer for any
mission as long as it can be reconfigured quickly for decontamination. Each region or
host pays for the trailer’s insurance and maintenance costs and consumable supplies; the
state provides no ongoing funding for annual costs.
Map 1. State Decon Trailers locations
Source: Homeland Security and Emergency Management, August 2010.
The MAC/Airport trailer was totaled and the Mora trailer was moved to
North Branch.
5
Assessment
Interviewees and focus group participants consistently described the state trailer
program’s shortcomings. Most said the trailers’ mechanical and design problems and
distance from most locations make them ineffective for mass decon. They stated that
training and communication about processes and procedures are critical to address.
Low confidence in trailers
Mechanical and design problems have limited the trailers’ effectiveness and undermined
confidence in the program. Many people stated that the trailer program was a good idea,
but the trailers have serious problems. Some comments include:
―Trailers were a good idea or concept, but too many problems.‖
―Trailers were tried and haven’t worked: load limits, speed limits, modified many
times, broken parts. Still ended up not good; really bad reputation.‖
―Program is in chaos. How many of the trailers are functional? Trailer design
flawed from start: weight, towing, axle, tongue, more. And fixes were poor. Now
there’s a credibility problem.‖
―I like the concept of the decon program and regional response. Question is
whether to scrap the trailers and start over. They are unsafe to haul around.‖
―Trailers are generally worthwhile but the state trailer model was not good.
Problems with towing, freezing, size.‖
―All I’ve heard is problems. Designed improperly, not okay for what was
intended.‖
―People equate the decon program with these trailers. Biggest hurdle will be
getting buy-in again.‖
―People have given up on trailers – no training, liability [concerns with towing].‖
―Great concept but logistics not thought through.‖
―The idea of the trailers is an excellent one if we had trailers built as they should
have been.‖
The mechanical and design problems were evident early. HSEM’s June and December
2004 correspondence to the host departments refer to ―mechanical problems‖ and ―axle
and tire ratings‖ concerns. In 2006, the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association –
Emergency Management Committee examined solutions to the trailers’ mechanical
problems. The committee also developed standard operating procedures for deployment,
training, use, and maintenance and cost reimbursement methods for host departments, but
none were implemented.
HSEM staff recently determined that four trailers are not operational. Some design
problems have or can be resolved by adding a third axle and other structural
modifications.
6
No one assigned blame for the problems. Many interviewees noted that fire service
personnel worked carefully to develop the trailer specifications, but said that the winning
contract failed to meet them. One person said the trailers were a knee-jerk reaction after
the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Another stated, ―Priority for decon has dissipated. At first,
everyone jumped on board, then it went downhill.‖ Several mentioned the well-known
shortcoming of equipment grants: no ongoing funding for maintenance and upkeep.
Impractical to wait for trailers
Many interviewees said decon must begin quickly and the trailers will not arrive soon
enough unless they were pre-positioned:
―State trailer would work only if it’s in close proximity to the event.‖
―But I question if it is realistic to use them. Can they arrive in a timely manner?‖
―We can’t wait for the trailer to show up.‖
―With response time – what good would it do?‖
―I like the idea that all regions are covered with decon. But you can’t regionalize
decon. We can’t wait an hour for a trailer.‖
―Where there is mass exposure, people won’t wait around. They will transport
themselves to hospitals. So what is the scenario for using trailers with the public?
Trailers are not rapidly deployable so may be waste of time.‖
―From our point of view, if it’s not here, we won’t use it. If we have a mass decon
situation, we will be making arrangements for people. If something big happens,
victims shouldn’t wait an hour breathing something in.‖
―The trailers are not very practical. By the time a fire department calls its people
and gets the trailer out, is there a need still?‖
A December 2004 HSEM letter states, ―The trailers are not intended for initial gross
decontamination, that responsibility lies with the Incident Commander and must be
provided for immediately at the scene. Waiting for the decontamination trailer to arrive
and be pre-positioned for initial decontamination would not be effective in limiting the
exposure of persons that are contaminated at the scene.‖
Burden on host department
Many interviewees noted that the host departments pay for all associated personnel and
non-personnel costs, including heated storage. If deployed or requested for training, host
department personnel must transport the trailer. Another concern was the potential
liability of hauling overweight trailers. Comments include:
―We used it for training the first year we got it and but couldn’t get any money
from other departments to pay us for the training, so we stopped.‖
―There are a fair number of requirements: storage, tow vehicle, money. Those are
all challenges and when they requested hosts, no one stepped forward.‖
7
―The biggest problem is maintenance and keeping them operationally ready. You
have to exercise them; run water through the lines or they get gunked up.‖
―If [city] didn’t take the trailer, nobody else would take it.‖
―Most cities are spending money to keep the trailer viable.‖
―[If I bring the trailer to another part of the region] for training, there is 100 miles
of travel and manpower time.‖
As a result of their experience, two fire departments transferred their trailers to the St.
Paul Fire Department after the Republican National Convention deployment and seven
host departments no longer want theirs:
―If HSEM decided to move our trailer to another part of the state, we’re okay with
that. To spread it out around the state. We’re tight on storage space.‖
―If anyone would like to house it after we’ve fixed the coil, it’s available.‖
―We wouldn’t miss it. We don’t need this many trailers.‖
―I’d like to sell it.‖
We don’t want it and [city] doesn’t want. The trailer was originally assigned to
[fire department]. They would like to give it back.‖
―The crew would say get it out of the fire hall if it’s not going to be fixed.‖
―We no longer want to be responsible for our trailer.‖
Other host departments embrace their role. One interviewee said a ―couple people took
ownership [of the region’s trailer] and it’s been maintained well.‖ Several fire chiefs
spoke favorably of the trailers, likely due to their immediate proximity:
―Definitely a need for it so we don’t have to wait for another one to arrive.‖
―I have a need for that type of capability, given the risks in my city.‖
―Going forward, this trailer will be part of any future response.‖
―It’s a solution for us in this corner of the state.‖
―There is a place for the trailer. Of the 11 departments in [this county with a
trailer], the decon preparation is minimal.‖
―The trailers are an important part of the system and I can see something
happening in a small community and the local fire department could be
overwhelmed until the CAT arrives.‖
―If they could resolve the problem with the trailers, that would be great.‖
―I like the trailer idea as long as it can be moved efficiently and the host doesn’t
have to foot the expense for it.‖
8
No actual mass decon use
No trailer has been used for mass decon. The trailers have been deployed as community
and responder shower units after the 2007 35W bridge collapse, the 2007 Rushford and
2010 Pine Island floods, and 2010 Wadena tornado. Five trailers were pre-positioned in
St. Paul during the 2008 Republican National Convention.
Several host departments train on the trailers annually and maintain them, though
improper winterization has damaged some trailers’ systems. Other host departments have
not used or trained on the trailer for two to three years.
Uncertainty about trailers’ availability
Many interviewees were unfamiliar with the trailers’ locations, conditions and how to
request assistance:
―Our region didn’t know of the state decon program in recent years, with staff
changes.‖
―Intent is that fire departments will be able to support technical teams: that is the
goal. Lots of chiefs don’t know how to access state resources.‖
―We know of their existence but are unclear of their status and location and
confidence in their reliability, so that has created a perception of their
availability.‖
―The intent is to bring in the trailers but I’m not sure of their reliability and
availability.‖
―The trailer system is a good idea, but you have to make people aware of them
and how they work.‖
―You need someone committed to keep the trailers running. Will the trailers work
if they are called in?‖
―No one knows where all the trailers are.‖
―The trailer we have in [city] hasn’t been moved. Directive to us was not to move
them.‖
―Can you guarantee that the trailer will be there when needed? If not, it won’t be
in people’s plans.‖
A few fire chiefs and CAT leaders did not have current information about their region’s
trailer:
―Trailer is at Montevideo. Don’t know the current status, but know that work was
done on it.‖
―Trailer is in Dodge Center. Not sure if it is usable.‖
―Nearest state trailer was International Falls, but they don’t have it any more.‖
―Not sure if the trailer is still in our region. Was in Litchfield.‖
9
Training deficiencies
One interviewee stated that the ―ability to use the decon equipment is only as good as the
training.‖ Most interviewees said general training on decon techniques, or the trailers
themselves, was the highest priority. Small departments, volunteer personnel, and rarity
of mass decon events hinder ongoing decon training. One chief stated, ―Departments
don’t face too many structural fires but more first responder incidents. Lots of these small
towns have elevators with farm chemicals and railroads going through.‖
Chemical Assessment Teams4 and host departments will not bring enough personnel to
perform mass decon. All departments should be trained in gross and mass decon and to
properly use the equipment. One person noted that not every department needs decon
equipment or in-depth knowledge but must understand the processes and be familiar with
requirements. CAT leaders described their on-scene experiences:
―We need support on the scene: people we can count on to help with decon, be
aware of hazards, and to contain people. We spend a lot of time advising
commanders on-site on the basics.‖
―Whenever our CAT responds, we have to do a quick class with the local fire
department.‖
―A lot of departments don’t understand what mass decon is. Most of our
firefighters in the area are trained to identify the problem and call us in. They are
not trained in decon itself.‖
While a few chiefs said their department trains on decon and the trailers, several chiefs
said many departments do not:
―A lot of guys and towns I’ve talked to would have no idea how to run it.‖
―A trailer arriving in [city] for an incident, will there be enough responders
trained on that trailer?‖
―Most everyone is training to the awareness level of haz mat but very few training
to the operational level. The idea was that if the trailer comes, the locals must help
with its operation.‖
―The only people who’ve trained on the trailer is the department that has it.‖
―We wouldn’t know what to do if the [city] trailer rolled into town.‖
―The smaller departments are not trained at all. In Fire Fighter 2 certification, they
are pushing for hazmat background, but if the department doesn’t require FF1 or
FF2, then it doesn’t do you any good.‖
―State trailer is in Worthington. Never had directions on how to use.‖
―People don’t understand the trailers. I have never seen it functioning.‖
―Trailers are like a secret: what can they, what can’t they do?‖
4 CATs’ primary responsibility is assessment and technical assistance for local fire departments in incidents
that exceed the departments’ capabilities and knowledge.
10
Some CAT leaders do not see a direct mass decon role for their team:
―CAT teams won’t be able to play a duel role at scenes: assessment, mitigation,
and life-safety. We need someone else to do public decon so we can focus on the
hazard itself. Mass decon is not our mission. We don’t have the resources.‖
―The CAT can work with the local departments to set up decon but that takes
away one team member and if the CAT is doing the mitigation (no emergency
response team onsite), then you don’t have enough team members for entry and
backup during mitigation. CATs will not get involved in mass decon. We can’t do
it. We can gross decon 3-5 people using a booster hose, but we can’t contain the
water.‖
―We don’t have the mass decon knowledge. The CAT decides what their priorities
are for equipment. The CAT has proficiency and training with its equipment.‖
However, some CAT leaders see their teams as potential trainers and several experts and
chiefs said decon techniques are easy to teach:
―If there were funds for CAT teams to go to local departments on decon, we could
show departments how to set up decon and use makeshift ways until CAT
arrives.‖
―The locals have to train with the CAT so CAT knows what the locals have for
equipment and trained personnel.‖
―Give the CAT teams extra money and market the teams to local departments and
do a four-hour training session.‖
―Once you explain the gear and that water and detergent take care of most
problems, the locals become more confident in doing decon.‖
―We can train others quickly to do decon tasks, if they have basic training and
protective equipment.‖
―Many departments don’t know how to use their own equipment. A trainer can
figure out what the department can do with the equipment it has.‖
―It is not rocket science to set up decon but you need to practice it. With all the
other training requirements, hazmat and decon take a back seat.‖
One CAT leader said training should include drills to understand how many people can
be deconned per hour. Another said that gross decon requires ―lots of thinking,‖ such as
how to properly position the fire trucks, and that an actual test drill was ―not easy to do.‖
Potential state roles
Interviewees often described the state’s role as ongoing financial and training assistance,
leadership, communication and coordination. Several mentioned the state fire safety
account as a funding source, if not diverted for the state’s budget shortfalls.
Financial: State funds should support ongoing equipment maintenance and upgrades,
replenish consumable and time-limited supplies, and provide initial and ongoing training.
11
A few interviewees said the state should purchase basic decon equipment, too, such as
containment pools. A couple of host department staff members said the biggest expense
is personnel time on maintaining and transporting the trailer for a decon or training event
and want state reimbursement when deployed. A number of interviewees suggested that
the state-supported CATs be a model for supporting the decon program.
Training: Interviewees suggested that HSEM staff or the CATs provide training on
general decon and on the specific decon equipment, or support the training through fire
schools and MnSCU programs. Several noted that small departments’ personnel are
trained to the awareness level for hazardous materials, not the operations level. A few
people suggested mandating a certain number of hazmat training hours or setting a
certification level. Interviewees also stated that many departments need to take advantage
of free training opportunities. State funding would allow host departments to bring
trailers to other departments for training, increasing familiarity and potentially leading to
greater likelihood of use.
State Program Leadership: Interviewees said that HSEM should define or clarify the state
decon program’s purpose and direction. One interview asked ―whether the home [HSEM]
for the decon program is correct.‖ Others complimented HSEM’s new staff with
extensive fire service experience. Comments include:
―Biggest problem has been no directive from HSEM as to purpose of trailers.‖
―Define scope – what are we trying to accomplish?‖
―Who is going to take ownership and who is responsible? Decide whether to keep
the trailers. Planning so we all understand roles and responsibilities.‖
―Need consistent leadership to implement the program with follow-through and
feedback. Make it all public so all departments know about it.‖
―Must be a reliable oversight to the whole system. HSEM might be best oversight
because they control resources.‖
―Look at the immediate response needs and what resources already exist. How do
they get used and how do we coordinate on a statewide basis and how do the
trailers fit in?‖
Communication and coordination: The state should ensure that fire departments, CATs
and the state duty officer ―know what’s expected of everyone.‖ Some interviewees stated
that small fire departments are typically not aware of their decon responsibilities and the
available equipment. People suggested that HSEM:
Develop criteria for the trailers’ deployment (how deployed and what situations).
Inventory fire departments’, CATs’ and others’ equipment to avoid duplication
and for people to know what is available.
Establish caches of clothing, gowns and towels to replace a department’s supply
during an event or ―when numbers go to 100 or 1,000.‖
12
Audit host departments’ readiness to ensure that they have the necessary number
of trained personnel and working equipment.
Work with many stakeholders, such as law enforcement, fire departments, and
hospitals, on planning and drills.
Publicize the state plan and how it augments local plans.
Help departments understand the statewide decon capacity: supplies and system
capacity (people per hour deconned).
Provide written guidance on decon techniques, responder coordination, and
regulatory requirements, such as disposing contaminated runoff.
Fire service mass decon inventory
Table 1 shows the fire services’ decon equipment, including the state trailers and any
CAT equipment capable of deconning 20 to 30 people per hour. The table lists equipment
regardless of functional status.
Table 1. Location and type of fire service mass decon equipment
City location County Type Description
Anoka Anoka Trailer State trailer
Bloomington Hennepin Trailer State trailer
Brainerd Crow Wing Trailer State trailer
Detroit Lakes Becker Trailer State trailer
Dodge Center Dodge Trailer State trailer
Duluth St. Louis Trailer State trailer
Duluth St. Louis Tent CAT equipment
Eden Prairie Hennepin Tent Zumro inflatable decon shelter, two lanes, water
heater, portable heater, grey water bladder
Excelsior Hennepin Tent Zumro inflatable decon shelter, two lanes, water
heater, portable heater, grey water bladder
Farmington Dakota Tent
Forest Lake Washington Tent A two-stage decon tent and a large rehab
(dressing) tent.
Glencoe McLeod Shower A cargo van/delivery truck with a portable
shower.
Golden Valley Hennepin Tent Zumro inflatable decon shelter, two lanes, water
heater, portable heater, grey water bladder
Hopkins Hennepin Tent CAT equipment
Hutchinson McLeod Trailer Two shower stall decon trailer (built in-house)
Int’l Falls Koochiching Trailer State trailer
Litchfield Meeker Trailer State trailer
Luverne Rock Tent Mult-use tent with multi-compartments, 30' x 15'.
Can decon people 5 to 6 per pack in 20 minutes.
Mahtomedi Washington Tent
13
City location County Type Description
Maple Lake Wright Tent Wright County Chiefs Association is owner.
Minneapolis Hennepin Trailer
Two self-contained decon trailers: 24 ft. and 50 ft.
The 50 ft. trailer is tracker drawn with four
corridors (lines) and a three phase system.
Minneapolis Hennepin Tents Four Zumro inflatable tents, plus portable
showers.
Montevideo Chippewa Trailer State trailer
Moorhead Clay Tent CAT equipment
Mound Hennepin Tent Zumro inflatable decon shelter, two lanes, water
heater, portable heater, grey water bladder
New Hope Hennepin Tent Zumro inflatable decon shelter, two lanes, water
heater, portable heater, grey water bladder
North Branch Chisago Trailer State trailer
North Mankato Nicollet Trailer State trailer
Richfield Hennepin Tent Zumro inflatable decon shelter, two lanes, water
heater, portable heater, grey water bladder
Rogers Hennepin Tent Zumro inflatable decon shelter, two lanes, water
heater, portable heater, grey water bladder
Rosemount Dakota Trailer Dakota County bought same model as state trailer
St. Louis Park Hennepin Tent Zumro inflatable decon shelter, two lanes, water
heater, portable heater, grey water bladder
St. Paul Ramsey Trailer State trailer
St. Paul Ramsey Tent CAT equipment
Thief Rvr Falls Pennington Trailer State trailer
Waseca Waseca Trailer State trailer
Willmar Kandiyohi Trailer State trailer
Windom Cottonwood Shower Trailer with two portable shower units. Owned by
county but used by fire department.
Worthington Nobles Shower Portable shower, 2 units
Worthington Nobles Trailer State trailer
Source: Interviewees with confirmation calls to some departments. This list is not necessarily
comprehensive. The Grand Forks, ND, Fire Department has mass decon capabilities but the chief stated
that the equipment could not be deployed to Minnesota without the mayor’s approval, excluding mutual aid
assistance to East Grand Forks, MN, so his equipment should not be considered an asset for Minnesota.
14
National Guard Decon Capabilities
The Minnesota National Guard has a full-time technical decon unit and a part-time mass
decon unit. But, few interviewees were familiar with the Guard’s mass decon capabilities
and how the units can support local departments.
Technical decon
The 84th
Troop Command/55th
Civil Support Team responds to events that result in, or
could result in, catastrophic loss of life or property. The unit’s mission is to:
Identify chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE)
agents.
Assess a suspected CBRNE event in support of a local incident report.
Advise civilian responders.
Facilitate requests for assistance for additional state and federal assets.
The unit has 22 full-time National Guard members who are hazmat technician certified.
Their services are available 24/7/365, and contacted through the state duty officer. The
unit does not perform mass decon.
Mass decon
The Guard’s CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package (CERF-P) is comprised of 200
traditional National Guard members from existing units with dual missions.5 When
ordered by the Governor, MNCERF-P will respond to all-hazards incidents and support
local, state, and federal agencies with casualty/patient decontamination, medical support,
and casualty search and extraction. Members are ready to travel to the scene within six
hours of notification.
Seventy-five members are devoted to mass decon, and half can be deployed to a single
incident. As traditional guard members, the unit has two five-day training periods
annually, and potential joint exercises with fire departments must occur on weekends.
5 MNCERF-P draws members from the 133
rd Medical Group, 148
th Fighter Wing, 434
th Chemical
Company, and other guard units.
15
Hospital System Decon Capabilities
In 2002, the Minnesota Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Preparedness was
created as a response to the 2001 Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and anthrax events. Its
Healthcare System Preparedness Program works to ensure that Minnesota hospitals and
healthcare systems can respond to terrorism and other public health emergencies through
an ―adequate portable and fixed decontamination system capability.‖6 Planning occurs
through eight regions and by June 2011, the office will:
Determine if facility and regional decontamination capacity meets benchmarks;
Update regional plans for patient decontamination capability;
Train first-receiver staff expected to perform hands-on decontamination services
to OSHA operations level (8 hours or to competency); and
Document decon capability, including hourly capacity for managing victims. 7
Map 2. Minnesota Public Health, Healthcare, and Behavioral
Health Preparedness Regions
Source: http://www.health.state.mn.us/oep/contact/teamsregions.html
6 Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota FY 2009 Hospital Preparedness Program, page 3.
http://www.health.state.mn.us/oep/healthcare/09narrative.pdf. Decon is one of several system components. 7 Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota FY 2009 Hospital Preparedness Program, pages 63-64.
16
Since 2002, Minnesota hospitals have significantly expanded their decontamination
capabilities. One hundred twenty-three (123) of Minnesota’s 141 hospitals have decon
capabilities for persons entering the facility (Table 2). Tents range from three lines to
single lines and shower units are typically single ones. Like fire departments, some
hospitals conduct annual training and drills; others lack trained personnel due to turnover.
Table 2. Number of hospitals with decon equipment
Type of equipment Hospitals
Decon tent 84
Portable shower or single fixed shower 41
Decon room or multi-showers 31 Source: Regional health preparedness coordinators. Some hospitals
have more than one type of equipment.
Fire service interviewees and focus group participants were generally skeptical of
hospitals’ willingness to arrive on scene and perform decon as first responders. They
stated that:
Hospitals focus on deconning walk-ins, while fire departments are responsible for
on-scene decon.
Hospitals assume arriving victims have been deconned first.
Transporting contaminated victims to the hospital will spread the hazardous
materials and remove ambulances from service.
Some chiefs said their hospital is ill prepared to help and others said hospitals have good
decon plans. One fire service expert stated, ―Hospitals have to be a leader on the decon
plans. They have decon plans, but they don’t have the personnel to do it. They may be
private companies, but they plan and work with fire departments.‖ Four fire chiefs
reported that they can use their local hospital’s decon tent and two hospitals store their
equipment at the fire station. However, one hospital’s equipment cannot leave the city.
Health preparedness coordinators’ viewpoints mostly concurred with the fire chiefs’, with
a couple of exceptions:
―Many hospitals have worked with local fire departments and have
[memorandums of understanding] with local departments if they have to do mass
decon. If there was an incident, it’s unlikely the hospitals would have staffing to
go with the equipment. Hospitals are first receivers and are unlikely to go to the
scene.‖
―Hospitals assets are supposed to be used for patients if they need to
decontaminate. The equipment is for people brought in and is it not intended for
fire department’s use.‖
―Fire will help hospitals with decon (bring the personnel).‖
―If there was a problem, the hospital could go to the site.‖
―Our tents are available for any situation.‖
17
A 2003 report noted that the majority of healthcare facilities ―provide decontamination
services for self-referred contaminated patients and those transported from the scene‖ but
not on scene, and that few healthcare facilities can provide ―simultaneous facility and
release site response.‖ 8
Northwest Minnesota’s planning effort
In early November 2010, the region held a one-day meeting for emergency medical
services, hospitals, fire departments and other first responder agencies to assess local and
regional response capabilities for an incident requiring decon. The goal was to better
understand how the public safety and responder disciplines work together during a
hazmat event. Participants identified strengths, gaps and next steps in planning,
communication, training, drills and equipment. Some examples follow.9
Strengths:
Safety officer conducts training throughout county.
Fire department knows who to call for hazard evaluation - quarterly meeting.
Small enough so responders know each other.
Actions documented in check lists and standard operating procedures.
Notification to hospital is strong.
Clinics/hospital plans in place for patients.
Staff take this seriously.
Presumed agreement with hospital that fire department does decon at incident site.
Gaps:
Address local/regional/state response: unified command.
Hazmat awareness (all responders).
Hazmat training in operations level.
More fire department, public health, and city and county emergency management
exercise drills and plans.
State Patrol left out of plans. Suggest more emphasis on law enforcement.
Lack of training on regional plans and resources.
Lack of fire chiefs’ group and cross-agency coordination.
Next Steps:
Easy training on refreshing staff for donning/doffing protective gear.
What are the risks in this region?
Train together with other local partners.
Involve more agencies in exercises.
Indoor winter drill.
Leadership training for department heads.
8 Hick, John L., M.D. and others, Establishing and Training Healthcare Facility Decontamination Teams,
Annals of Emergency Medicine 2003 Sep;42(3):381-90.
http://www.health.state.mn.us/oep/healthcare/deconteam.pdf 9 The HSEM’s northwest regional program coordinator provided the conference’s assessment spreadsheets.
18
Geographic Analysis
The trailers’ locations are based on which department was willing to host them. Some
trailers are located within 30 to 50 miles of each other and one region’s trailer is located
in a neighboring county. Several larger departments or counties have purchased their own
equipment, as well.
Potential siting criteria
Many interviewees said the key criteria are population densities, the nature of an area’s
risks, and proximity to highways and rail lines. Response time – arrival onsite, set up and
starting decontamination – must also be considered. A few people suggested response
times from 30 to 60 minutes, or ones that are similar to CAT requirements or based on
―how long can people wait?‖ Less expensive decon tents could be distributed more
closely together than more expensive trailers. Some interviewees suggested that tents
serve a 20 to 30 mile radius or be located in every county seat.
Equipment should be dispersed regionally, but few interviewees could specify the ―right‖
number of regions, or had contrasting views about the appropriate number and size.
Geographically smaller regions allow quicker response times, but require more
equipment and some departments’ mutual aid agreements cross fire region boundaries.
The number of regions does not have to equal the number of equipment units; one person
suggested placing equipment in his large region’s four corners.
Several chiefs mentioned the fire service’s new emphasis on shared services and mutual
aid agreements. They recommended outfitting clusters of 10-12 neighboring departments
in a sub-region or allocating equipment based on mutual aid agreements. Locating
equipment should recognize that training often occurs on the regional level or by mutual
aid agreements.
A few interviewees advocated for regional decisions on the locations. Some also thought
the trailers should align with the CAT regions and be more closely connected with each
team’s operations. Other potential configurations are the HSEM’s six regions and
congressional district boundaries, which have equal populations. Dividing northern
Minnesota’s larger fire regions was also suggested.
Hypothetical county- seat scenario
Some interviewees suggested that tents serve a 20 to 30-mile radius or be located in every
county seat. Map 3 (appendix) shows how many tents or trailers are necessary if the state
decon program outfitted the fire department in every county seat over 3,000 people. If
two county seats’ 20 mile radii overlap significantly, then Map 3 shows only one county
seat with equipment. Of the state’s 56 county seats with more than 3,000 people:
Eleven host a state trailer, have their own trailer, or have CAT tents large enough
for mass decon.
Seventeen county seats would not require equipment because they are located
19
within 20 to 25 miles of another county seat. Three of the seats have state trailers.
Twenty-eight county seats would require equipment.
Thirty-one county seats have fewer than 3,000 people. Additionally, Map 3 shows the
city of Virginia with a 20-mile radius because of St. Louis County’s size.
Host departments
In general, interviewees said that the larger departments are the best hosts: they have the
resources to pay for maintenance, storage, insurance, and other costs and can keep a
sufficient number of people trained to deploy the equipment. Smaller departments would
call the large ones for assistance. One interviewee stated, ―If lots of departments get
equipment, they must be committed to keeping the right number of people trained and
available.‖
Most of the discussions assumed the equipment is decon trailers. The discussion might be
much different with simpler and less costly equipment, such as decon tents. Whatever the
equipment type, the host department must be willing to assume the responsibilities and
costs. The most significant objection to hosting the state trailers was absorbing all
ongoing costs.
Several interviewees discussed whether CATs should take charge of mass decon.
Advantages include one group of people controlling the equipment, greater coordination
and more decon expertise. However, CAT leaders stated mass decon is beyond their
statutory mission and would divert their attention from hazard mitigation.
Twin Cities Metro Area
Interviewees generally agree that the Metro area is well equipped for mass decon, citing
the larger career departments, more decon equipment and shorter travel distances. One
metro area chief noted that well equipped does not mean well prepared, explaining the
lack of understanding on how to request equipment.
Greater Minnesota
Greater Minnesota is even less likely than the Twin Cities to have a large mass decon
incident, with exceptions for a few cities near major traffic and rail corridors. Duluth,
Rochester and St. Cloud are seen as well prepared for the same reasons as the Twin Cities
are. A few people said mass decon is not a priority for small departments. Several people
recommended fewer outstate trailers, given less population density and fewer risks.
Fewer trailers are easier to support financially, too. Comments include:
―It is a dilemma because it is such a rare event. The 15 trailers are well
distributed, but they have to be equipped and maintained. Cut back on the trailers
to a smaller number.‖
―The outstate trailers seem excessive, that number of them.‖
20
―Someone has to help with the costs if it is a benefit to the region and state.
Maybe there should be less of them [trailers].‖
―Two trailers are close to each other: 30 miles apart.‖
Thirteen Greater Minnesota counties lack any fire service or hospital decon equipment.
Seven counties are located in northwest Minnesota, three in the southeast corner, and
three in east central Minnesota. These counties have almost 300,000 people total (Table
3). Benton, Fillmore Houston and Sherburne counties do not have hospitals, but Benton
and Sherburne’s largest cities are near other county hospitals with decon equipment.
Table 3. Counties without fire service or hospital mass
decon equipment.
County Population Region of state
Aitkin 15,737 East Central
Benton 40,145 East Central
Cass 28,338 Northwest
Fillmore 20,828 Southeast
Houston 19,381 Southeast
Kittson 4,475 Northwest
Le Sueur 28,068 Southeast
Mahnomen 5,025 Northwest
Marshall 9,477 Northwest
Norman 6,628 Northwest
Red Lake 4,157 Northwest
Sherburne 88,122 East Central
Wadena 13,381 Northwest
Total 283,762
Source: See Map 4 in appendix.
21
Potential Equipment Options
Many interviewees recommended keeping future solutions ―simple‖ so that the training is
sufficient but minimal, especially given the challenges of volunteer departments: little
training time, personnel turnover, and little time for equipment maintenance. Some
recommended specific approaches:
―Standardized equipment in all regions plus special equipment as needed,‖ such
as near ethanol plants.
―A group of departments decides how much equipment and how big. That is,
local decisions.‖
―Need a tiered system for response to decon incidents: entities must be able to
handle things of x order of magnitude or type, then piggyback on the next level as
needed. More capable entities arrive later.‖
―Metro departments work off hydrants, often outstate departments can’t. What
works for metro doesn’t always work for outstate.‖
―Not one solution statewide – easy solution for small populations and automatic
solutions for big areas.‖
The two most frequently mentioned alternatives or additions to trailers were ―go packs‖
for gross decon and tents for mass decon. Interviewees also discussed additional state
trailer uses.
Go packs
Fire trucks are equipped with the necessary hoses, nozzles, and other equipment for gross
decon, and departments can hose down victims before other decon equipment arrives. A
go pack provides the ancillary supplies – for example, detergents and tarps. Training is
basic and relatively easy, but departments need a standard instruction sheet for line setup
and water flows for effective gross decon. A few departments store their gross decon
equipment, gowns, towels and other supplies in a small trailer. Four interviewees
described their own preparations or potential ones:
―We have some heated pressure washers at the fire station, so we can bring
contaminated persons to the fire station and decon people in a stall.‖
―We carry totes on the trucks - large garbage bags for privacy. Decon kits for
$100, that is doable.‖
―All ladder companies were trained for mass decon. Each rig had tarps and garden
hoses. The tarps separate people by gender. Mass decon can be done easily with
the fire engines and booster lines. Then you need the tiebacks and blankets to
clothe people. Put the equipment in a tote bag. Total cost is $200. Set up requires
15 minutes.‖
―Have a decon process that uses something they can get quickly from a hardware
store. Develop early on with your local store what it has and you would need.‖
22
Several CAT leaders recommended developing simple, standard gross decon procedures
or guidelines on:
Setting up the decon lines (position of fire trucks, hoses and tarps);
What detergent to use;
How much water to pump through the hoses; and
How to provide privacy.
While most interviewees recommended simple procedures, some people noted that
different levels and types of exposure require different responses. For example, a simple
solution is to brush off solid contaminates rather than hose them off.
Tents or shelters
Interviewees generally favored tents/shelters for cost and operational advantages, but
cold weather operation was the most often noted potential problem. Sometimes fire chiefs
and experts had contrary viewpoints about tents, reflecting previous experiences
(inflatable versus erectable tents) or assumed problems. Compared to trailers, a tent’s
advantages are:
Lower purchase cost and could be available to more departments.
Easier to transport, store and maintain.
Multi-purpose uses, such as a personnel rehab or command post.
Greater frequency of use keeps personnel proficient in transport and setup.
Easier training because the equipment components are much simpler.
Greater decon capacity (number of people) per hour.
A ―scalable‖ solution to any event; additional tents from nearby departments
increase response capacity.
Better suited for non-ambulatory people.
Can be used outdoors and indoors.
Easier to fix plumbing problems onsite due to simplicity.
Easier to decontaminate after use.
A number of tent owners said tents are easily portable in smaller trailers and can be set up
within 30 minutes. Prices range from $10,000 to $75,000, depending on size and
equipment. Some interviewees said cold weather is not a significant problem, given
portable space and water heaters’ power, availability of dry decon techniques, and low
temperatures that neutralize some materials. One northern fire department decon leader
reported that space and water heaters can operate in below-zero weather, while another
decon team leader said the equipment is not effective at 10 to 20 degrees above zero.
23
Trailers were seen as either easy or difficult to set-up. Their space and water heat
capabilities were the biggest advantage over tents, which might be susceptible to freezing
water and condensation. However, trailers may be harder to decontaminate and are
difficult for non-ambulatory people.
State trailer uses
Interviewees recommended modifying the trailers to support multiple uses. Several
mentioned that the trailers must remain available for decon, per the federal grant, but
more capabilities would increase their use and visibility. Other public safety agencies
could also use the trailer. Additional uses include:
Mobile command or operations center;
Training simulator;
Regional cache of fire fighter supplies and materials;
Rest and rehab support unit at wildfires, natural disasters and other events; and
Environmental catastrophe response unit.
Modification may require removing plumbing and other components to reduce weight or
adding a third axle. One person recommended ―taking out the trailer parts that are hard to
maintain and use the stalls with portable plumbing equipment.‖ A couple of people
suggested the trailers are not worth spending additional funds. One person said each
region should decide how to reconfigure the trailers to ensure it fulfills a regional need.
Many people suggested that the trailers’ best role is pre-positioning for a potential, large
scale event, like the Republican National Convention, or for a long-term response
situation, such as a wildfire. Some interviewees recommended moving the trailers to
high-population areas. The trailers could also travel with and be used for CAT decon.
One person recommended housing the trailers at large hospitals.
Shower units
Hospital emergency departments may have one or more shower units installed or a full
decon room. Both hospitals and fire departments also have portable showers, ranging
from a single unit to three-line, tent-like structures. Pictures and descriptions are available
at http://www.labsafety.com/store/Public_Safety/Fire_-
_Rescue/Hazmat_Equipment/?noredirect=true&Nao=15
Decon vehicles
A couple of interviewees mentioned that decon trucks carry all the necessary equipment,
require little on-scene setup, and can travel at higher speeds than a truck and trailer.
However, the vehicle may cost several hundred thousand dollars.
24
Conclusions and Recommendations
Most interviewees describe haz mat incidents requiring gross and mass decon as a very
low probability but potentially high risk. An event’s randomness creates great uncertainty
for allocating resources. No one could cite a mass decon incident that used the trailers,
which are considered ―insurance‖ against disasters and catastrophic events.
The state trailers have been plagued with mechanical and logistical problems, and many
interviewees do not view them as an effective solution. Some interviewees saw a role for
trailers in populous areas, in cities with immediate hazards, or fewer ones outstate.
However, funding trailer repairs is not necessarily the most cost effective choice. Many
interviewees’ support other options, such as decon tents or simple gross decon
techniques, equipments and supplies, and saw training as critical to the program’s
effectiveness as a whole.
Since the state decon program’s start, Minnesota hospitals and the National Guard have
significantly expanded their decon capacities. Significant investment in fire service decon
capacity will create a parallel system unlikely to be used. Supplementing standard fire
hoses and nozzles with gross decon supplies could be the most cost effective preparation
for on-scene decon, but requires transporting victims to hospitals for secondary decon.
Interviewees recommended that HSEM define its role in sustaining local departments’
decon capability, including defining the state decon program’s purpose. Training support,
communication and coordination are equally important, or more so, than equipment.
Recommendations
1. HSEM should provide statewide leadership to ensure that fire departments are trained
on mass decon; that basic, standard gross and mass decon procedures are developed
and distributed, and that fire departments know how to request decon resources from
a larger department or hospital through the state duty officer. This leadership role
includes communicating the state program’s intentions for the next several years.
2. As a coordinator and planner, HSEM should work with the Minnesota Department of
Health’s Office of Emergency Preparedness to develop a unified response plan for
hospitals and fire departments to follow during a decon event. The plan would specify
on-scene decon capabilities and transporting victims to the hospital for more thorough
decontamination.
3. HSEM should determine the number of state decon trailers to support based on their
other potential uses, desired response time, and HSEM’s willingness to provide
annual funding. The trailers are more likely to be used as shower units for responders
or community members affected by fire or a natural disaster. For example, perhaps
the state would only require three trailers outside the Twin Cities Metro area for an
ongoing support role if a three to four hour response time is acceptable.
4. Trailer repairs should be evaluated from a total cost and opportunity cost solution. For
example, removing heavy components may reduce a trailer’s weight and cost less
than adding reinforcements that require a department to purchase a $40,000 tow
vehicle. Or, limited funds could purchase tents rather than pay for trailer repairs.
25
Appendix: Hospital Equipment Detail
Minnesota Department of Health – Office of Emergency Preparedness’ regional
healthcare preparedness coordinators provided information on Minnesota hospitals’
decon equipment. The table formats reflect how the coordinator supplied the information.
The Northwest and South Central regions’ information was provided via telephone, and
the other coordinators e-mailed spreadsheets.
Table 1. Central Region
Hospital City County
3-Line
Tent
1-Line
Tent
Albany Area Hospital Albany Stearns
1
St. Joseph Medical Center Brainerd Crow Wing 1
Buffalo Hospital Buffalo Wright
1
Cambridge Medical Center Cambridge Isanti
1
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Crosby Crow Wing
1
St. Gabriel's Hospital Little Falls Morrison
1
Long Prairie Memorial Long Prairie Todd
1
Melrose Area Hospital Melrose Stearns
1
New River Medical Center Monticello Wright 1
Kanabec Hospital Mora Kanabec
1
Mille Lacs Health System Onamia Mille Lacs
1
Paynesville Area Health Care System Paynesville Stearns
1
Fairview Northland Medical Center Princeton Sherburne
1
Pine Medical Center Sandstone Pine
1
St. Michael's Hospital Sauk Centre Stearns
1
St. Cloud Hospital10
St. Cloud Stearns 1
Lakewood Health System Staples Todd
Fairview Lakes Regional Health Care Wyoming Chisago
1
Table 2. West Central Region
Hospital City County
3-Line
Tent
1-Line
Tent
Douglas County Hospital Alexandria Douglas 1
St. Francis Healthcare Campus11
Breckenridge Wilkin 1
Prairie Ridge Medical Center Elbow Lake Grant 1
Lake Region Healthcare Fergus Falls Ottertail 1
Glacial Ridge Health System Glenwood Pope 1
Stevens Community Medical Center Morris Stevens 1
Perham Memorial Hospital Perham Ottertail 1
Wheaton Community Hospital Wheaton Traverse 1
10
The hospital also has four fixed showerheads. 11
The hospital also has two fixed showerheads.
26
Table 3. Metropolitan Region12
Facility City
Equip
ment
Hourly
Rate
Trained
staff
Staff to
train Needs
Fairview Ridges
Hosp. Burnsville F,P 70 15 20 Training, PPE
Mercy Hosp. Coon Rapids F 16 75 0
Radiological
Decon
Fairview Southdale
Hosp. Edina F,P 65 3 50 Training, PPE
Unity Hosp. Fridley F 16 60 0
Radiological
Decon
Regina Medical
Center Hastings F 8 3 5
Training, PPE,
willing staff,
improved fac.
Maple Grove Hosp. Maple Grove P
St. John’s Hosp. Maplewood F 30 33 30
Train security
and ER staff
Abbott
Northwestern Hosp. Minneapolis P 40 40 40
PPE, Training,
and drills
Children’s Hosp.
and Clinics Minneapolis F 28 44 0 Training
Riverside Campus Minneapolis F,P 36 150 50 Working tents
Hennepin County
Medical Center Minneapolis F,P 72 42 20
Training/Radio
logical decon
training
Phillips Eye Minneapolis P 8 2 6 Training
University Campus Minneapolis F,P 36 150 50 Working tents
Vet Affairs MC Minneapolis F,P 40 24 24 Training
Northfield Hosp. Northfield F,P 36 3 9 Training
North Memorial
Medical Center Robbinsdale F,P 90 30 0
Donning/
doffing skills
St. Francis
Regional Medical Shakopee F,P 31 20 18
Competency
based training
Methodist Hosp. St. Louis Prk F 40 10 37 Training
Children’s Hosp.
and Clinics St. Paul P 28 32 0 Training
Regions Hosp. St. Paul F 40 40 20 Training, PPE
St. Joseph’s Hosp. St. Paul F 75 23 30
Train security
and ER staff
United Hosp. St. Paul F,P 20 30 40
Training $,
FR-57 Filters,
Pt. decon kits
Lakeview Hosp. Stillwater P 24 17 3
Staff for tent
set-up,
12
The Minnesota Department of Health’s Mortuary Science Section has one decon tent in St. Paul.
27
Facility City
Equip
ment
Hourly
Rate
Trained
staff
Staff to
train Needs
Ridgeview Hosp. -
Waconia Waconia F,P 24 4 10
Nursing Srv.
cooperation
with training
Woodwinds Hosp. Woodbury F 15 17 20
Train security
and ER staff F=Fixed (room), P=Portable (tent), PPE=Personal Protection Equipment, ER= Emergency Room. Data
based on 2008 survey, except Maple Grove Hospital (phone call).
Table 4. Northeast Region
Facility City County Tent At hospital Procedures
Essentia
Health – N.
Pines Center Aurora
St.
Louis
One large tent
and a single
shower. Indoor shower
Water collected in
small pool.
Bigfork
Valley
Hospital Bigfork Itasca
Decon room w/
appropriate
supplies.
Training/live
exercises are lacking
Community
Memorial
Hospital Cloquet Carlton
11x15 tent w/
heat and
water
One person
decon
Cook
Hospital Cook
St.
Louis
Large tent and
attachments
in a trailer.
Small decon
shelter on cart
in the hospital
training room.
Procedures for
donning and doffing,
power point for set up
of both tents.
Deer River
Healthcare
Center
Deer
River Itasca Tent
Plans for set up.
SMDC
Health
System Duluth
St.
Louis
Two decon stations; one in the
4th Street Ramp for mass
decon. ED station is equipped
with ―in house‖ air hook ups for
the decon masks and does not
rely on batteries.
St. Luke’s
Hospital Duluth
St.
Louis
Two decon
tents. Can set
up in two
inside
locations.
One room with
three shower
heads in ER for
small events.
Have tested
procedures multiple
times. Projected
through-put is about
150/ hour ambulatory.
Ely
Bloomenson
Hospital Ely
St.
Louis Tent Shower Plans for set up.
North Shore
Hospital
Grand
Marais Cook
Large tent and
attachments
in a trailer.
Small decon
shelter.
Need more training in
decon, donning/
doffing
28
Facility City County Tent At hospital Procedures
Grand Itasca
Clinic and
Hospital
Grand
Rapids Itasca
Reeves Model
3SC shelter/
equipment in
trailer.
Single shower
system stored in
ED; built in
decon shower
in ED garage.
Fairview
Range Hibbing
St.
Louis
Tent stored at
Fire Dept.
Rainy Lake
Medical
Center
Inter-
national
Falls Kooch
Tent stored in
trailer.
Written deployment
plan with annual staff
training/competencies
Mercy Hosp
& Health
Care Center
Moose
Lake Carlton
Large Reeves
tent with all
attachments
Small, single
person shower
enclosure
Lake View
Memorial
Hospital
Two
Harbors Lake
Tent stored in
trailer
Procedures/instruction
for setup and staff
assigned and trained.
Virginia
Regional
Medical Ctr. Virginia
St.
Louis
Tent stored in
trailer. Decon shower
Policies and
procedures for in
house only ED= Emergency Department, ER=Emergency Room.
Table 5. Northwest Region
Facility City County Equipment
Clearwater Co
Memorial Hosp. Bagley Clearwater
Single-person portable shower.
Lakewood Health
Center Baudette
Lake of the
Woods
One person portable shower system.
North Country
Regional Hosp Bemidji Beltrami
A TVI three-line tent with trailer, air and
water heaters, and containment bladder.
Riverview Hospital &
Nsg Home Crookston Polk
A TVI three-line tent with trailer, air and
water heaters, and containment bladder.
Essentia Health-St.
Mary’s Detroit Lks Becker
A TVI three-line tent with trailer, air and
water heaters, and containment bladder.
St Josephs Area Hlth
Services
Park
Rapids Hubbard
Single-person portable shower.
Emergency room ramp with shower.
Lifecare Medical
Center Roseau Roseau
A TVI three-line tent with trailer, air and
water heaters, and containment bladder.
Sanford Medical
Center
Thief
River Falls Pennington
A TVI three-line tent with trailer, air and
water heaters, and containment bladder.
29
Table 6. South Central Region
Facility City County Equipment
Sibley Medical Center Arlington Sibley
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
United Hospital District Blue Earth Faribault
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
Fairmont Med Ctr Mayo Health Fairmont Martin
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
Glencoe Regional Health Srvcs Glencoe McLeod
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
Hutchinson Area Health Care Hutchinson McLeod
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
Minnesota Valley Hlth Ctr Inc LeSueur Le Sueur
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
Meeker Co Mem Hosp Litchfield Meeker
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
Madelia Community Hospital Madelia Watonwan
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
Immanuel St Josephs Mayo H Sys Mankato Blue Earth
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
New Ulm Medical Center New Ulm Brown
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
Sleepy Eye Medical Center Sleepy Eye Brown
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
Springfield Med Ctr Mayo H Sys Springfield Brown
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
St James Medical Center - Mayo St. James Watonwan
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
River’s Edge St. Peter Nicollet
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits
Waseca Med Ctr Mayo Hlth Systm Waseca Waseca
TVI three-line decon tent,
20 PPE outfits The region conducts six initial training sessions each year and annual refresher training.
30
Table 7. Southeast Region
Facility City County Equipment
Albert Lea
Medical Center
Albert Lea Freeborn Three-line shower: two mobile lines and one-
non ambulatory. Hot water heater and unit
heater for mobile use. Single bay in ambulance
garage.
Austin Medical
Center
Austin Mower Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs x 4,
Emergency Dept garage has 15 shower heads.
Cannon Falls
Medical Center
Cannon
Falls
Goodhue Two decon showers, 4 PAPRS, decon personal
protective equipment, gloves, boot, and suits
for max of 6 patients.
District One
Hospital
Faribault Rice Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs x 6
Fairview Red
Wing Medical
Red Wing Goodhue Single shower decon unit x 5, BTYL HD
PAPRS x 4
Lake City
Medical Center
Lake City Wabasha Two single disposable decon showers, portable
H2O heater pump & pop up pool for
containment, Btyl Hd PAPRs x 6.
Olmsted Medical
Center
Rochester Olmsted Two single-line portable showers, 12 black
bag PAPR Units
Owatonna
Hospital
Owatonna Steele Four showers in garage and two showers in a
negative pressure room.
Winona Health
System
Winona Winona Built in decon shower in ambulance garage
and three-line decon tent stored in emergency
management trailer capable of handling a
couple hundred people.
Mayo Clinics Rochester Olmsted TVI three- line decon tent, heater, one decon
shower, one Zumro tent, 63 personnel kits,
St. Elizabeth’s
Hospital
Wabasha Wabasha One decon shower in Emergency Dept., Btyl
Hd PAPRs x 6. Btyl Hd paprs are 3M Breathe Easy Butyl Rubber Hood with Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR).
Table 8. Southwest Region
Facility City County Equipment
Appleton Area
Clinic Appleton Swift Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-4
Swift County
Benson Benson Swift Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-4
Sanford Canby
Hospital Canby
Yellow
Medicine Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-2
Johnson
Memorial Dawson Lac qui Parle
Three-line decon shelter, single shower
decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-6
Graceville
Hospital Graceville Big Stone Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-4
Granite Falls
Hospital
Granite
Falls
Yellow
Medicine Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-4
31
Facility City County Equipment
Hendricks
Hospital Hendricks Lincoln Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-4
Sanford Jackson
Hospital Jackson Jackson Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-4 ,
Sanford Luverne
Hospital Luverne Rock Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-4
Madison Hospital Madison Lac qui Parle
Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-4
( 3M black bag)
Avera Marshall
Medical Center Marshall Lyon
Three-line decon shelter, single shower
decon unit x 2, Btyl Hd paprs-6
Chippewa
County Clinic Montevideo Chippewa Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-3
Renville County
Hospital Olivia Renville Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-4
Ortonville Area
Hospital Ortonville Big Stone
Three-line decon shelter, single shower
decon unit, btyl hd paprs (6)
Pipestone
Medical Center Pipestone Pipestone Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-4
Redwood Falls
Area Hospital
Redwood
Falls Redwood Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-4
Murray County
Medical Center Slayton Murray
Single shower decon unit, 2 line Decon
Shelter, Btyl Hd paprs-4
Tracy Medical
Hospital Tracy Lyon Btyl Hd paprs-4
Tyler Healthcare
Center Tyler Lincoln
Single shower decon unit, 2 line Decon
Shelter, Btyl Hd paprs-3
Westbrook
Health Center Westbrook Cottonwood
Single shower decon unit, 2 line Decon
Shelter, Btyl Hd paprs-4
Rice Memorial
Hospital Willmar Kandiyohi
Three-line decon shelter, single shower
decon units x2, Btyl Hd paprs-6
Windom Area
Hospital Windom Cottonwood Single shower decon unit, Btyl Hd paprs-4
Sanford
Worthington Worthington Nobles
Three-line decon shelter, single shower
decon unit, Btyl HD paprs-6 Btyl Hd paprs are 3M Breathe Easy Butyl Rubber Hood with Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR).
_̂
_̂
_̂
_̂
_̂
_̂_̂
_̂_̂
_̂_̂_̂ _̂
_̂_̂
_̂ _̂_̂
_̂_̂
_̂_̂ _̂
_̂
_̂
_̂_̂_̂
_̂ _̂_̂_̂
_̂_̂ _̂_̂_̂_̂
_̂
_̂ _̂_̂_̂ _̂ _̂_̂
!.
!.
$+
!.
!.
_̂
3
2
2
SHERBURNE
LESEUER
WATONWAN#$
SAINT LOUIS
ITASCACASSLAKE
POLK
BELTRA
MI
AITKIN
PINE
COOK
KOOCHICHING
OTTER TAIL
CLAY
ROSEAU
MARSHALL
BECKER
TODD
STEARNS
KITTSON
SWIFT
LYON
POPE
MORRISON
WILKIN
RENVILLE
CARLTON
MARTIN
HUBBARD
RICE
NORMAN
FILLMORE
CLEARWATER
ROCK
WRIGHT
MOWER
CROWWING
NOBLES
MURRAY
GRANT
SIBLEY
BROWN
LAKE OFTHE WOODS
REDWOOD
DOUGLAS
KANDIYOHI
JACKSON
MEEKER
GOODHU
E
WINONA
ISANTI
FARIBAULT
DAKOTA
FREEBORN
OLMSTED
LINCOLN
BLUEEARTH
SCOTT
STEVENS
ANOKA
MILLE
LACS
HOUSTON
STEELE
TRAVERSE
DODGE
WADENA
NICOLLET
MCLEOD
HENNEPIN
KANABEC
CHIPPEWA
WABASHA
BENTON
LAC QUIPARLE
CARVER
PENNINGTON
BIGSTONE
COTTO
NWOOD
WASECA
CHISAGO
MAHNOMEN
YELLOW MEDICINE
PIPESTONE
REDLAKE
WASHINGTON
RAMSEY
_̂
_̂
_̂ _̂
_̂_̂
_̂
33 3562
Saint Louis Park
2
4
DAKOTA
ANOKA
HENNEPIN
SCOTT
CARVER
WASHINGTON
RAMSEY
Mound
Edina
AnokaRogers
Hopkins
Waconia
Fridley
Woodbury
Shakopee
New Hope
HastingsRosemount
Richfield
Maplewood
Mahtomedi
Excelsior
Stillwater
Saint Paul
Farmington
Burnsville
MACAirport
Robbinsdale
Minneapolis
Maple Grove
Forest Lake
Coon Rapids
BloomingtonEden Prairie
Golden Valley
®
Potential Locations for FireDepartment Equipment Based on
Population Concentrations
10 0 105 Miles
20 0 2010 Kilometers
20 0 2010 Miles
60 0 6030 Kilometers
Notes: Red symbols are fire department equipmentand blue symbols are hospital equipment. Symbolsare offset in cities with multiple equipment types.Labeled symbols for Minneapolis, St. Paul, MACAirport, Rochester and Duluth represent the totalnumber of units per owner/type. Symbols in all othercities represent one unit of equipment per owner/type.
Sources: Homeland Security and EmergencyManagement, fire departments, MinnesotaDepartment of Health-Office of EmergencyPreparedness.
Prepared for the Minnesota Management & Budget -Management Analysis & Development by the MinnesotaGeospatial Information Office (MnGeo)
Updated: January 13, 2011
Map 3
Map Features
# #
!. ShowerTentTrailerRoom
")
$+
!.
_̂ County Seats withPopulation > 3,000
20 Mile Radius10 Mile Radius
32
!.
!.
$+
!.
!.
3
2
2
SHERBURNE
LESEUER
WATONWAN#$
SAINT LOUIS
ITASCA
CASS
LAKEPOLK
BELTRA
MI
AITKIN
PINE
COOK
KOOCHICHING
OTTER TAIL
CLAY
ROSEAU
MARSHALL
BECKER
TODD
STEARNS
KITTSON
SWIFT
LYON
POPE
MORRISON
WILKIN
RENVILLE
CARLTON
MARTIN
HUBBARD
RICE
NORMAN
FILLMORE
CLEARWATER
ROCK
WRIGHT
MOWER
CROWWING
NOBLES
MURRAY
GRANT
SIBLEY
BROWN
LAKE OFTHE WOODS
REDWOOD
DOUGLAS
KANDIYOHI
JACKSON
MEEKER
GOODHU
E
WINONA
ISANTI
FARIBAULT
DAKOTA
FREEBORN
OLMSTED
LINCOLN
BLUEEARTH
SCOTT
STEVENS
ANOKA
MILLE
LACS
HOUSTON
STEELE
TRAVERSE
DODGE
WADENA
NICOLLET
MCLEOD
HENNEPIN
KANABEC
CHIPPEWA
WABASHA
BENTON
LAC QUIPARLE
CARVER
PENNINGTON
BIGSTONE
COTTO
NWOOD
WASECA
CHISAGO
MAHNOMEN
YELLOW MEDICINE
PIPESTONE
REDLAKE
WASHINGTON
RAMSEY
$+#")
$+#
#
#$+#
#
#$+#
")#
#
#
#$+
#$+
#
#
$+")
#") $+#
$+
")$+
$+$+
#
$+#
#
#
#
$+
#
33 356
2Saint Louis Park
2
4Mound
Edina
AnokaRogers
Hopkins
Waconia
Fridley
Woodbury
Shakopee
New Hope
HastingsRosemount
Richfield
Maplewood
Mahtomedi
Excelsior
Stillwater
Saint Paul
Farmington
Burnsville
MAC Airport
Robbinsdale
Minneapolis
Maple Grove
Forest Lake
Coon Rapids
BloomingtonEden Prairie
Golden Valley
DAKOTA
ANOKA
HENNEPIN
SCOTT
CARVER
WASHINGTON
RAMSEY
®
Minnesota Fire Departmentand Hospital Decontamination
Equipment
10 0 105 Miles
20 0 2010 Kilometers
50 0 5025 Miles
130 0 13065 Kilometers
Notes: Red symbols are fire department equipmentand blue symbols are hospital equipment. Symbolsare offset in cities with multiple equipment types.Labeled symbols for Minneapolis, St. Paul, MACAirport, Rochester and Duluth represent the totalnumber of units per owner/type. Symbols in all othercities represent one unit of equipment per owner/type.
Sources: Homeland Security and EmergencyManagement, fire departments, MinnesotaDepartment of Health-Office of EmergencyPreparedness.
Prepared for the Minnesota Management & Budget -Management Analysis & Development by the MinnesotaGeospatial Information Office (MnGeo)
Updated: January 13, 2011
Map 4
#
!. Shower
Map Features
TentTrailerRoom
")
$+
!.
#
33