Non-clinical staff from Gothenburg Health recently took part in a Hospital Decontamination Skills Day in Lexington, a training event designed to enhance emergency preparedness across regional hospitals.

The training was held in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Center for Preparedness and Emergency Response Solutions (CPERS). The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among hospitals in Lexington, Gothenburg and Cozad, ensuring mutual support during emergencies.

Participants from Gothenburg Health included Angela Sattler (Health Information Management), Karma Thomas (IT), Spencer Johnson (IT), Theresa Netherton (Informatics), and Beth Bauer (Environmental Services & Safety).

“This training ensures we are ready and can support one another in the event of an emergency,” said Bauer. “These are not medical staff, and their duties are non-clinical, yet they can play an important role in a time of crisis.”

The hybrid course provided an overview of hazardous response issues, including the risks posed by contaminated patients entering a facility. Attendees learned prevention, preparedness and response techniques to help keep hospitals safe.

Key sessions included Decontamination Basics, Bag & Stash, Donning & Doffing, Scenario Activities and a final Debrief. Participants were trained in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs), and practiced setting up decontamination zones and tents. The training concluded with a wet exercise using volunteer mock victims.

The course also emphasized the distinction between Hospital First Receivers and First Responders, and covered hazardous materials, routes of entry, and identifying symptoms of contamination.

Gothenburg Health staff left with the skills to enhance their facility’s decontamination team and the opportunity to build stronger regional partnerships.Non-clinical staff from Gothenburg Health recently took part in a Hospital Decontamination Skills Day in Lexington, a training event designed to enhance emergency preparedness across regional hospitals.

The training was held in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Center for Preparedness and Emergency Response Solutions (CPERS). The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among hospitals in Lexington, Gothenburg and Cozad, ensuring mutual support during emergencies.

Participants from Gothenburg Health included Angela Sattler (Health Information Management), Karma Thomas (IT), Spencer Johnson (IT), Theresa Netherton (Informatics), and Beth Bauer (Environmental Services & Safety).

“This training ensures we are ready and can support one another in the event of an emergency,” said Bauer. “These are not medical staff, and their duties are non-clinical, yet they can play an important role in a time of crisis.”

The hybrid course provided an overview of hazardous response issues, including the risks posed by contaminated patients entering a facility. Attendees learned prevention, preparedness and response techniques to help keep hospitals safe.

Key sessions included Decontamination Basics, Bag & Stash, Donning & Doffing, Scenario Activities and a final Debrief. Participants were trained in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs), and practiced setting up decontamination zones and tents. The training concluded with a wet exercise using volunteer mock victims.

The course also emphasized the distinction between Hospital First Receivers and First Responders, and covered hazardous materials, routes of entry, and identifying symptoms of contamination.

Gothenburg Health staff left with the skills to enhance their facility’s decontamination team and the opportunity to build stronger regional partnerships.