Believe in Better Readiness: Sparta Decon Team Strengthens Regional Preparedness
Gunnar Moore, Summer Bower and Rob Wade of Sparta Community Hospital’s Decontamination Team participated in a regional Emergency Decontamination Training hosted by Memorial Hospital in Chester and led by BJC EMA’s Scott Klosterman on October 1, 2025.
Sparta Community Hospital recently strengthened its emergency readiness when three members of its Decontamination (Decon) Team joined a regional training session on October 1, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Chester. Led by Scott Klosterman of the BJC Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the session brought together professionals from multiple facilities to sharpen skills in hazardous materials response and patient decontamination.
Participants engaged in classroom instruction focused on identifying and responding to chemical, biological, liquid, and radiological threats. The curriculum emphasized proper protocols for decontaminating patients exposed to hazardous materials—ensuring staff are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and coordination needed to act swiftly and safely in real-world scenarios.
A key component of the training involved mastering the use of specialized protective suits, including correct procedures for donning and doffing. Staff also practiced patient decontamination techniques using Memorial Hospital’s decontamination tent and equipment, gaining valuable experience in a controlled, realistic environment.
The immersive, hands-on nature of the training was well received by attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to refine their skills and strengthen collaboration across institutions. Both Memorial and Sparta Community Hospital remain committed to fostering preparedness and community resilience through ongoing education and inter-hospital partnerships—because when it comes to protecting our patients and our communities, we all believe in better readiness.