Index to Reconn/Decon Webpages

Role of the CST

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Tracking an Aerosol Release

Reconn/Decon Module

Module Specs

Chemical Warfare

Chemical Terrorism

Chemical Response Kit

Biological Warfare

Biological Terrorism

Bio-Sampling Kit

Anthrax

Plague

Tularemia

DNA Studies

Decon Shower

Decon Solution & Foam

The Reconn/Decon Module

The Reconn/Decon Module was designed by Precision Lift, Inc. for quick response to a reported bio-chem terrorist attack. It enables a specially-equipped 2-man reconnaissance team to be inserted by helicopter at a location in the vicinity of the reported incident, which may not be accessible by road. Whether 1 mile or 5 miles upwind from the incident location, a small utility vehicle with off-road capability can carry the reconnaissance team from a "safe" location into the contaminated zone. [Rotor downwash is not desirable at a HazMat site, because it may further disperse heavy gases and particulates.] As the reconnaissance team travels to the "contaminated zone", they can monitor radiation, check for hazardous gases and substances, and collect samples of air, water, soil, and small mammals to determine the presence of biological agents. The reconnaissance team can also survey the area to determine the perimeter of the contaminated zone.

The sketch above shows a 4-wheel utility vehicle that fits into the small (2000 kg capacity) Heli-Basket. However, this "4-wheeler" is too small for most cross-country environmental reconnaissance surveys.

The Reconn/Decon Module uses our larger 3,000 kg Heli-Basket which can carry a 6-wheel utility vehicle. Utility vehicles are currently being tested for use by Civil Support Teams. The large box in back holds the Chemical Response Kit or the Biological Sampling Kit.

Decontamination and Extraction of the Reconnaissance Team

After the survey is completed, the Reconn/Decon Module gives the reconnaissance team flexibility in deciding how and what to decontaminate before being extracted. The black area under the utility vehicle illustrated in the upper sketch is a thin water tank with two 50 gallon compartments for decontamination fluids.

In the Rush the Data and Samples Back to the Lab As Quickly As Possible scenario, the highest priority is quick response time. A small portable decontamination shower is erected near the Heli-Basket. A hose and battery-operated pump deliver decontamination solution and rinse from the tank in the floor of the Heli-Basket to the decontamination shower. After washing themselves, their monitoring equipment, and sample bags, the reconnaissance team, still in protective clothing, get into the Heli-Basket and are extracted. The utility vehicle and portable shower with contaminated rinse water remain behind for a ground crew to retrieve later.

In the We've Got Time, Leave No Trace scenario, the priority is to remove all equipment, contaminants, and personnel, leaving only footprints as evidence of the landing site. One of the 50 gallon tanks in the floor of the Heli-Basket contains water for washing and rinsing. The other 50 gallon tank is a holding tank for the contaminated waste water. After returning to the Heli-Basket, the reconnaissance team unfolds a primary containment tray with floor drain that is placed inside the Heli-Basket and the floor drain is attached to the holding tank underneath. Clear plastic shower curtains snap on to the containment tray and are attached to the sides of the Heli-Basket. The utility vehicle is driven into the Heli-Basket and the last shower curtain erected. Using the electric pump, a long spray wand, and access slits in the shower curtains, the utility vehicle is washed. The long wand and directional nozzle allow the underside of the utility vehicle and the wheel wells to be washed. Contaminated wash water flows down into the holding tank. The team, still in protective clothing, rinses each other off, applies the decon spray to themselves and the utility vehicle, and the entire module, including the utility vehicle and the reconnaissance team, is extracted by helicopter.

Site Decontamination

The reconnaissance team may have as part of its mission the initial decontamination of an area inside the contaminated zone to be used, for example, as a command post or medical station. The cargo box of a 6-wheel utility vehicle can carry approximately 70 gallons of water or the decontaminating solution, a pump and 50 feet of hose as part of the Chemical Response Kit. With a 50:1 expansion ratio, this can generate up to 3500 gallons of decontaminating foam.

PLI's Fire-Fighting Module, which is easily adapted to generating compressed air foam (CAF), can carry 400 gallons of water and can generate up to 20,000 gallons of foam. It is inserted by helicopter.