Prime Healthcare’s four Inland Empire hospitals have put together decontamination teams and had 128 employees certified as First Receiver Operations.

The volunteer teams of nurses, technicians, engineers, housekeepers and non-clinical employees help determine best practices and action required during emergencies such as earthquakes, fires, floods, terrorist attacks and hazmat incidents.

Employees from sister hospitals Chino Valley Medical Center, Mont clair Hospital Medical Center, San Dimas Community Hospital and Desert Valley Hospital participated in the twoweek training.

“As sister facilities, we rely on each other and will be called upon to assist in an emergency/ disaster,” said Cambria Boyer, a team leader and Emergency Preparedness Program Manager for San Dimas Community Hospital and Montclair Hospital Medical Center.

Boyer worked with sister facilities Chino Valley Medical Center and Desert Valley Hospital to get several employees certified as First Receiver Operations with the state of California.

“It is crucial that we are all given the same level of training and certification,” she said. “The well-being and safety of our patients and communities are our main priority.”

The First Receiver Operations and Decontamination for Health Care course includes guidance on how to recognize, react and respond to a hazardous materials in cident, as well as several training exercises.

Although not required by the state, Prime Healthcare’s Inland Region chose to have their teams become FRO certified.

Students had to complete at least 16 hours of training, accomplish all objectives and participate in the training exercise. They also had to pass the CA Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) First Receiver Operations and Decontamination for Health Care written exam with a minimum score of 70 percent.