Responder washdown system designed for on-scene protection

Firefighting is linked to elevated rates of cancers like breast, blood and oesophageal — with research highlighting the need for immediate washdown to lower risks to general population levels — and bacterial exposure and hyperthermia risk are significant concerns for emergency responders following a flood event. ResponderWash is a portable washdown system that aims to provide emergency responders with at-the-scene protection, including from cancer-causing contaminants and bacterial exposure, and to reduce hyperthermia risk.

The system was developed by Resilience Logistic Solutions (RLS), an Alkath Group company, after an RLS management team member witnessed multiple incidents where responders had no access to basic hygiene or privacy before returning to the station, highlighting a critical gap in on-scene support. ResponderWash, therefore, is intended to offer a fast, private way for emergency personnel to shed contaminated gear, wash down and redress in clean clothes. The system designed to be set up by two people and deployable in under 30 minutes.

Made in South Nowra, NSW, and officially launched on 9 July 2025, the system features a 3 m usable width and 3.3 m height, with three colour-coded compartments. The compartments include a ‘hot zone’ for removing and bagging contaminated clothing via privacy airlocks; a ‘warm zone’ with a LPG-powered warm shower using a standard 4 kg gas cylinder; and a ‘cold zone’ with an optional positive-pressure environment for redressing.

It is built to withstand harsh, remote environments and is also lightweight, with each component requiring no more than a two-person lift. While not built for large-scale emergencies, it is transportable on a ute, making it accessible for small units or strike teams. Water efficiency is another design consideration, with the system using as little as 80 L (four 20 L containers) to wash down about eight responders — greywater being managed via collection containers, to ensure safe handling.

“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,” said Jason Chapman, Alkath Group’s Director of Strategy & Business Development. “Just as catering is prioritised at major incidents, we believe hygiene support deserves equal focus as a vital element of responder health and wellbeing.”