Mobile system designed for on-scene decontamination
Resilience Logistic Solutions has developed a new mobile system to support emergency responder hygiene at the incident scene, the company has announced.
According to Resilience Logistic Solutions, the ResponderWash system is designed to allow firefighters and other emergency workers to remove contaminated clothing, wash down, and redress before returning to base.
The product will be officially launched on 9 July 2025 in South Nowra, New South Wales.
The company said the system was designed following field observations of responders returning to stations without access to basic hygiene, highlighting what it described as a gap in current decontamination protocols.
Firefighting has been linked to higher incidence of cancers such as oesophageal, breast and leukaemia.
Resilience Logistic Solutions said its product aligns with existing health initiatives aimed at reducing exposure to these hazards.
System components and operating features
Resilience Logistic Solutions said the ResponderWash system can be deployed in under 30 minutes by two people.
The system includes three colour-coded compartments: a “hot zone” for removing and bagging clothing, a “warm zone” featuring a gas-powered shower, and a “cold zone” for redressing.
A standard BBQ gas cylinder is used to power the water heating system.
Optional features include a positive-pressure environment in the cold zone to maintain air quality while dressing.
Each unit is lightweight and designed for transport on a utility vehicle.
Application in post-flood environments
The system also addresses hygiene risks linked to flood response scenarios, the company said.
Floodwaters may contain sewage, animal waste, chemicals and decaying material, posing infection risks for responders.
The ability to wash down at the scene could help reduce exposure to these hazards, particularly in remote or resource-constrained environments.
Hyperthermia, another known issue in flood conditions, is also addressed through on-site access to a controlled showering environment.
Alignment with cancer risk reduction strategies
Research cited by Resilience Logistic Solutions highlights the importance of immediate decontamination to limit cancer risks among firefighters.
The company said its system could help lower the persistence of toxic substances on skin and clothing.
Cancer prevention strategies across the sector include enhanced PPE handling and improved hygiene protocols, which the company said ResponderWash complements.
While the system is not intended for use in large-scale incidents, it is aimed at everyday use by full-time and volunteer crews alike.
Statement from Alkath Group representative
Jason Chapman, Director of Strategy & Business Development at Alkath Group, said: “Our vision is to ensure all first responders have access to private, in-field hygiene options at the scene – supporting their health and dignity as they work to protect lives and property.
“Just as catering is prioritised at major incidents, we believe hygiene support deserves equal focus as a vital element of responder health and wellbeing.”
Chapman added: “This is about solutions – we are focused on protecting the people who protect us as well as the environment.”
The company said the unit’s design is intuitive and based on materials and components familiar to outdoor users.
Water use is minimised, with a reported 80L required to serve up to eight personnel.
Greywater is managed via a container system to prevent environmental contamination.
Portable decontamination unit launched for Australian firefighters: Summary
Resilience Logistic Solutions has developed a portable decontamination system for emergency responders.
The unit will be launched on 9 July 2025 in South Nowra, New South Wales.
It is designed to support on-scene hygiene following exposure to contaminants and bacteria.
The system can be deployed by two people in under 30 minutes.
It includes three compartments for clothing removal, washing and redressing.
Water heating is powered by a standard LPG cylinder.
The design allows transport on a utility vehicle.
Flood response scenarios were a key consideration in the design.
Jason Chapman of Alkath Group said the system supports responder dignity and health.
Each component is lightweight and intuitive to assemble.
The unit uses 80 litres of water for eight people.
Greywater is collected for safe disposal.
The system aligns with cancer prevention and health strategies in the emergency sector.