April 23, 2004

Drill prepares MGHers for potential disasters

In preparation for upcoming emergency exercises related to the Democratic
National Convention, which will be held this summer at the Fleet Center, the MGH held a drill of its mobile Mass Decontamination Unit (MDU) April 7 on the White ramp. The drill was conducted to ensure that employees from Environmental Services, Buildings and Grounds and Police and Security could deploy the unit in a timely manner.

The MDU is designed to be used during a disaster involving contaminating agents as a decontamination shower for both ambulatory and non-ambulatory victims. Outdoor use of the unit helps protect the hospital and employees from potential exposure to contamination by harmful materials. The Boston Fire Department also was on hand to observe the drill.

Employees set up the MDU.