Each year LA County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) conducts regional emergency management refresher training where the hospital's coalition performs a mass decontamination scenario. In the event of a chemical attack the hospital teams are trained and prepared to provide emergency and acute care services to the community by efficiently and effectively performing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) mass decontamination. 

"This simulation drill provides an opportunity for LA County hospitals to support and collaborate and ensure readiness if an emergency event were to occur,' said Maria Lopez, Norwalk Community Hospital administrator. "NCH plays in an integral part as the healthcare provider for the community in the City of Norwalk."

The region eight hospital coalitions' participating hospitals include: Norwalk Community Hospital; Adventist Health White Memorial (Montebello); Coast Plaza Doctors Hospital; Greater El Monte Community Hospital; PIH Health Hospital (Whittier) (Downey); Saint Francis Medical Center; and Whittier Hospital Medical Center.

LA County EMS will provide a decontamination trailer, while hospital staff will suit up using chemical protective clothing and powered air purifying respirators (PAPR). Volunteers will participate as victims and have hospitals decontaminate them.

"As part of our emergency response preparedness we are honored to hosts this year's full-scale drill," said Marco Landeros, manager environmental health and safety officer.

For more information about the event call (562) 863-4763

About Norwalk Community Hospital:
Norwalk Community Hospital is a 50-bed acute care hospital offering a comprehensive range of medical services, including a paramedic-receiving emergency department. Angeles Community Hospitals include two acute care hospitals in Norwalk and East LA, and a behavioral health facility in Bellflower. Learn more at LACH-Norwalk.com or call (562) 863-4763

SOURCE Norwalk Community Hospital