Volunteer “Victims” Needed for Hospital Decontamination Class

West Virginia University Fire Service Extension is seeking 10 to 15 volunteers to assist as “victims” during a Hospital Decontamination class at WVU Hospitals on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Volunteers will serve as “patients” in training scenarios designed to help hospital staff and first responders practice the proper methods of decontamination prior to advanced medical care. Each volunteer will be assigned a role and will be decontaminated according to recognized national protocols.

Volunteers are also welcome to observe the full class and learn more about the hazards faced by first responders and medical personnel during an actual chemical or biological emergency.

Additional details will be provided upon request.

To volunteer, please contact:

Mark Lambert
West Virginia University Fire Service Extension
mark.lambert@mail.wvu.edu

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get wet?
Yes. Volunteers participating as “victims” will get wet during the decontamination process.

What should I wear?
Volunteers should wear older clothes that can be removed by medical staff down to swimwear, shorts, and/or a shirt.

Who conducts the decontamination?
Male volunteers will be decontaminated by male personnel, and female volunteers will be decontaminated by female personnel.

What procedures will be demonstrated?
The class will demonstrate mass decontamination, emergency decontamination, and gross decontamination procedures. The training will also show how cross-contamination can occur during a chemical or biological emergency.