COVENTRY DECON

Decontamination Team

In May, 2003, Hopkins Hill Fire Department was named to be one of seven newly established Decon Teams to serve the State of Rhode Island. These teams are fully funded with monies from the RI Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the federal government's Office of Domestic Preparedness (OPD).

The mission of this team is to assist local communities to improve their preparedness for potential terrorism incidents involving weapons of Mass Destructions (WMD) as well incidents involving hazardous materials by providing:

• decontamination services
• technical support
• specialized equipment

Coventry's Decon Team is headquartered at Hopkins Hill Fire Department, it's members support the decon effort. Quarterly training is done with all members to keep the Decon Team proficient at decontaminating persons involved in a chemical, hazardous material or WMD incident.

Utility 1

Utility 1 is a 2004 Ford F350 Crew Cab Pick-Up Truck equipped with a 6.0L Super Duty Diesel engine Dual Wheels and 4 wheel drive. It is assigned full time to tow the Decontamination Team Trailer and to carry external equipment assigned to the Team

 

 

Haulmark Trailer

The Decon Team employs a 2003 Haulmark Trailer, with a self contained air conditioning system, to haul their equipment to the work site. It also serves as a Command Post by way of communications and computer systems carried in the unit.

 

 

The trailer mounted generator is visible on the towing tongue. Also, visible are the removable halogen light standards.

Equipment included in the trailer:

• Decontamination Tents (2)
• Conveyors with Backboards for non-ambulatory patients
• Hot Water Heater for heating water used to wash off contaminates
• Portable Heater to heat tents in colder weather
• Portable A/C Units for warm weather conditions
• Level B fully encapsulated suits to protect Decon Team workers
• Air Respirators
• Self contained compressed air system

An enclosed trailer and the necessary equipment was provided, but Hopkins Hill Fire District personnel performed all installation and outfitting tasks including outside lighting, communication equipment, weather monitoring system, and a new storage garage. Which was purchased by the Hopkins Hill District and erected by the station personnel. To protect this equipment and allow for training and performing repair and maintenance.

The mission of this team is to assist local communities to improve their preparedness for potential terrorism incidents involving weapons of Mass Destructions (WMD) as well incidents involving hazardous materials by providing:

• decontamination services
• technical support
• specialized equipment