The Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFAP) is seeking volunteers to participate in our Operational Response Test II (ORT II) on July 11, 2009. This test will evaluate different types of personnel decontamination methods and will help determine the future procedures used in response to a biological release on the Pentagon Reservation, as well as potentially having national impact for response planning actions.
The exercise will begin on July 11 at 6 am and will likely be done by 12 pm. Volunteers should arrive wearing street clothes with bathing suits on underneath. Flip flops or other water shoes are recommended for extra safety during the decon procedure where slippery conditions may exist due to the large volumes of water. PFPA may ask volunteers to wear additional rings and jewelry provided by PFPA in order to asses if it is necessary to remove these in an actual incident. Volunteers will check in and will receive a briefing on the test procedures and safety information.
At the start of the test, a harmless, traceable powder, the same one used in the previous test, will be released. After the release, volunteers who have been stationed in and around the Pentagon, will be transported by bus to a decon area. Upon arrival at the decon station, they will place their clothing in a bag and will remain wearing their bathing suit as they proceed through decon. Volunteer's clothing will be returned to them on the other side of the decon line.
Volunteers will be swabbed pre-release and several times pre- and post-decon to assess the level of powder on their skin and the amount removed by the decon method. This is done with cotton swabs and water and is non-invasive. The decon methods planned at this time are an Arlington Fire Department Decon Corridor (a corridor formed by four fire engines and a gentle fogging overhead spray provided by their hoses) and a decon tent with showerheads and hoses inside. The Red Cross will provide a welfare station at the site with water and first aid. EMTs will be available for anyone who needs it. Volunteers are welcomed from all areas including members of the military, DOD civilians, members of local government, local response groups and private citizens. However, to volunteer, you must be over 18 years of age and able to walk through the decon line.
If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, please contact us at the information provided below and PFPA will provide you with an information packet that will provide more detailed information about the test and your role as a volunteer. Additionally, if you have friends or colleagues who may be interested in participating, please forward this information along to them. We hope that you can join us on what will be a fun and interesting test day and help is in learning and providing the best information possible to emergency responders and the best protection to the Pentagon and the surrounding community.
In the event of rain or inclement weather, the test will take place July 12, 2009, or rescheduled for the following weekend, July 18-19, 2009.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and be able to walk through the decontamination line.
This opportunity is sponsored by: American Red Cross, Arlington County Chapter
| Jul 11, 2009 |
06:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
20 |
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Address:
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Lot 7 Of The Navy Annex (Federal Office Building 2, FOB2)
Arlington, VA 22204
(See a map) |
Directions:
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Location is at the corner of Southgate Rd and Fort Myer. Check in is at Navy Annex. Highway 395 Take exit 8A for Washington Blvd/VA-27 toward VA-244/Columbia Pike Merge onto VA-27 S Exit onto Columbia Pike/VA-244 Turn right into the parking lot at the bottom of the hill (across the street from and below the Air Force Memorial) The parking lot is located at the intersection of Columbia Pike and South Joyce Street Signs in the lot will indicate that you need an "FC-C" permit; however, it will be safe for you to park in the lot on test day. After you have parked, proceed up the hill along Southgate Road to the check-in station. You should see several tents and tables set up.
Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Pentagon City |
Web Site: http://www.arlingtonredcross.org | 
