(November 19, 2014)

DPS hosts PPE training for community members

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College's Department of Public Safety hosted the 2nd Medical Group Airmen, local emergency medical service responders, and hospital staff members on Friday, November 14, for a PPE (personal protective equipment) workshop in order to strengthen coordination efforts and increase awareness of procedures in the event of health threats.

PPE workshop
Participants wear protective gear during the PPE workshop

"The training was very hands-on, allowing participants to actually put on (don) and remove (doff) PPE," said director of the Department of Public Safety Eddie Walker.

Walker described one training exercise that required participants to handle whipped cream while wearing their equipment, then taking off their protective gear to see if they accidentally "contaminated" themselves during the transition.

"The American nurses that were infected with Ebola were possibly contaminated while removing their PPE," said Walker. "Even though we don't anticipate encountering anyone with Ebola, DPS does have PPE, and it's important to know the proper donning and doffing techniques."

While the risk of an Ebola outbreak remains low, event organizers reminded participants of past health threats such AIDS, SARS, anthrax, and influenza and reflected on the importance of being prepared. The training derived from materials developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and focused on effectively employing the protective gear that would be worn by responders.

This training is an example of the mutually beneficial collaborations through which Centenary DPS engages other law enforcement agencies in the community.

Another training session will take place Monday, December 8, from 8 a.m. to noon in Kilpatrick Auditorium.