MAYOR HAHN TOURS MASS CASUALTY DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM AT LAX
Requests Los Angeles World Airports Purchase Two Additional Units
LAWA MASS CASUALTY DECONTAMINATION UNITS FACT SHEET
MAYOR'S/LAFD/LAX - MODEC DECON TRAILER PRESS CONFERENCE FACT SHEET
(Los Angeles, California -- March 25, 2003) Mayor Jim Hahn today toured the mass casualty decontamination system at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The system is specialized equipment used to respond quickly to emergencies involving biological, chemical or other hazardous materials.
The mass casualty decontamination system at LAX can decontaminate as many as 36 people simultaneously and approximately 250 people per hour. The unit is operated by Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) personnel and can be set up quickly after its arrival at an incident site.
"After spending time with LAFD Chief William Bamattre touring the LAX Decontamination Unit, I am convinced that LAX is one of the country's best prepared and safest airports," said Mayor Hahn.
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the City department that owns and operates LAX and three other Southern California airports, currently owns three decontamination systems that were purchased four years ago. Two are located at LAX and one is at Ontario International Airport. Today, Mayor Hahn requested LAWA purchase two additional units. The truck and trailer combination costs $243,000 each.
"Los Angeles World Airports is committed to ensuring the safety of the traveling public, visitors and workers at our airports. We are proud to be taking a leadership position in having mass casualty decontamination units located at our airports to enhance the Los Angeles Fire Department's capability to respond to biological or chemical terrorism," said LAWA Executive Director Lydia H. Kennard.
"The City of Los Angeles continues to do everything within its power to be sure that we are prepared for every and any incident that may occur in today's uncertain times. I commend the Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles World Airports for their commitment to addressing the full range of situations that could occur, as well as for their ongoing efforts to ensure that our emergency responders are fully prepared to protect the residents of Los Angeles," said Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski (11th District).
"Los Angeles is fortunate to have this type of specialized equipment available to our first responders to handle most any emergency," said Los Angeles Fire Department Chief William Bamattre. "Our preparedness is a direct result of joint planning and needs assessment between the LAFD and Los Angeles World Airports, along with the support of the Mayor's office and city government."
The decontamination units are suitable for use in:
- Hazardous materials incidents where people or personnel are contaminated
- Aviation accidents where people or personnel are contaminated from aviation fuel
- Terrorist incidents on the airfield and at passenger terminals involving chemical or biological agents
- Natural disasters where a first aid station is needed
