Hospital Decontamination Without Compromise: Protecting Patients, Staff, and Equipment

This post concludes our hospital decontamination blog series, following Part 1: Rethinking Hospital Decontamination and Part 2: Inside the Protocol: A Hospital SOP for Dry Chemical Decontamination.  

Modern hospitals can no longer rely solely on outdated soap-and-water decontamination methods. Dry decontamination in hospitals provides a faster, safer, and more patient-centered solution. FAST-ACT offers a validated alternative—proven to NATO standards and backed by independent clinical trials—that prioritizes patient dignity, safeguards staff, and preserves critical medical equipment. 

As healthcare facilities refine their hospital decontamination protocols, FAST-ACT stands out as an evidence-based tool for chemical emergency preparedness in hospitals. 

Read the difference between Wet VS. Dry Decontamination.  

Validation and Performance 

FAST-ACT delivers clinically proven, NATO-standard performance for chemical decontamination in healthcare environments: 

• Proven efficacy to NATO standards – Reduces contamination below NATO’s clearance threshold of 10 µg/cm². 

• Independent DSO trial evidence – Demonstrated safe patient clearance with no adverse impact on wound healing. 

• Neutralization, not just removal – Unlike soap-and-water decon, which risks spreading contaminants through runoff, FAST-ACT adsorbs and neutralizes CWAs (chemical warfare agents) and TICs (toxic industrial chemicals). 
• Hair decon advantage – Shown to reduce blister agent vapors from AEGL-2 (serious threat) to below AEGL-1 (minimal symptoms)—one of the toughest challenges in hospital decontamination protocols. 

Operational Advantages 

FAST-ACT provides unmatched operational efficiency for hospital emergency response teams: 

• Speed – Full-body decontamination in ~5 minutes per patient, compared to 10–15+ minutes with soap-and-water. 

• Scalability – Predictable throughput: one FAST-ACT Pressurized Cylinder + FAST-ACT Decontamination Mitts/ FAST-ACT Decontamination Wipes per patient → dozens of patients per hour, even with small teams. 

• Dry decon capability – Works indoors, in cold climates, or resource-limited areas where water-based systems are not feasible. 

• Logistic simplicity – No shower infrastructure, water containment, or hazardous runoff to manage. 

Safety & Patient Care 

FAST-ACT enhances patient safety during decontamination while protecting staff: 

• Safe on wounds – Clinical studies confirm no interference with superficial wound healing. 

• Protects vulnerable patients – Compatible with N95/FFP2 masks to reduce particulate inhalation. 

• Prevents secondary contamination – Limits spread to staff, equipment, and clean care areas. 

• Preserves dignity – Patients avoid immersion or abrasive scrubbing, enabling a faster, more respectful care process. 

Hybrid Approach Value 

FAST-ACT integrates seamlessly into hospital decontamination protocols to improve care flow: 

• Field-to-hospital bridge – Provides a rapid clearance step at intake for patients partially decontaminated in the field. 

• Integration with SOPs – Complements soap-and-water decon for gross contamination while safely managing wounds and airways. 

• Continuity of care – Smooths transition from “dirty zone” → “clean zone” → ER/OR without bottlenecks. 

• Area & equipment protection – FAST-ACT Decontamination Wipes and FAST-ACT Decontamination Mitts neutralize contaminants on stretchers, gurneys, carts, and treatment rooms, supported by optional HEPA vacuuming. 

Conclusion & Next Steps 

Dry decontamination with FAST-ACT delivers a validated, efficient, and scalable hospital decontamination solution. By combining evidence-based performance with patient-centered care, hospitals can respond rapidly to chemical incidents, protect staff and infrastructure, and maintain operational flow—without compromise. 

Prepare your hospital team for chemical emergencies. Schedule a FAST-ACT hospital training today to learn how to implement whole-body, spot, and surface decontamination protocols safely and effectively.