Novel Decon System
Overview
An overview of the project and the specifications for our design and the timeline in which we intend to complete it.
Project Scope
The goal of this project is to develop an apparatus that can effectively decontaminate mass casualty victims and first receivers while being in compliance with the Department of Health and Human Services regulations. The device will be able to remove chemical and biological material by flushing the affected area with water. To achieve approximately 80-90% removal of contaminants, patients should be processed through a high-volume, low-pressure water shower. In order to promote patient comfort, the system will use a tepid water source. Per OSHA guidelines, a contaminated patient’s clothing should be removed before the patient is hosed down with water. Thus, the final design of the product will take the privacy of the user into consideration. In a mass casualty event, the contaminants need to be removed as quickly as possible to minimize the extent of damage due to exposure. Therefore, it is critical that the apparatus be conducive to quick and easy assembly. This can be achieved by limiting the number of components in the system as well as the weight of each part. Both mobile patients and those confined to backboards or stretchers should be able to use the system simultaneously. The product will be complete when it can execute the previously mentioned specifications as well as improve upon the effectiveness of the current mass decontamination system.