BioContainment Unit at The Nebraska Medical Center

The United States Centers for Disease Control commissioned The Nebraska Medical Center biocontainment unit in 2005. It was designed to provide the first line of treatment for people affected by bio terrorism or extremely infectious naturally occurring diseases. It's the only non-governmental facility of its kind in the U.S.
The staff, all receive specialized training and participate in drills throughout the year. In a recent drill, the staff practiced dressing in spacesuit-like personal protection suits. The suits provide each staff member the ability to care for an infected patient without exposing themselves. They also practice transporting an infected patient in a "bio pod" into a specially designed room inside the biocontainment unit. The entire unit is specially isolated from the rest of the hospital, using its own ventilation system and security access.
While the unit has never been activated, the staff routinely drills to make sure they are sharp and prepared in case it ever is needed.

For more information, visit www.NebraskaMed.com or call 1-800-922-0000.