UPMC - Hazardous Materials Decontamination Unit

Decontaminates individuals who have been exposed to a hazardous material before they go into the Emergency Department for treatment. In addition to decontaminating these individuals, the decontamination unit helps protect the Emergency Department, its staff and patients who are waiting for treatment for other medical conditions, from contamination. The unit consists of three chambers. In the first chamber, the individual removes contaminated clothing then steps in the middle chamber to shower. Unlike many units, the shower has both hot and cold water. In the third chamber, the individual puts on a hospital gown and goes to the adjacent Emergency Department for treatment.