Mass casualty drill in Gurnee

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

On Saturday, May 2nd, 2015, the Gurnee Police and Fire Departments conducted a mass casualty training exercise at Woodland Intermediate School, aiming to improve emergency response times during critical incidents. This collaboration was designed to streamline the process of delivering medical care in high-stress situations, such as hostage scenarios or active shooter events.

Traditionally, police officers secure an area before calling for medical assistance, which can delay treatment for injured individuals. In this exercise, a new protocol was tested: officers would sweep a room without fully securing it, allowing paramedics to enter quickly for initial triage and basic first aid. This approach could significantly reduce the time it takes for critical care to reach those in need, potentially saving lives in life-threatening situations.

Gurnee police conduct similar drills twice a year at high-traffic locations like Six Flags, Gurnee Mills, and local schools. These exercises help ensure that officers are familiar with the layout of these places in case of an emergency. The recent drill involved not only local police and fire departments but also the U.S. Navy, who played roles within the simulated scenario. Firefighters from Grayslake, Waukegan, and Zion also participated, along with teachers who helped create a realistic environment.

The simulation began with the fire department responding to a broken leg at the school. While on site, they heard gunshots and alerted the police. From there, the scenario evolved based on how the teams responded, mimicking real-life unpredictability. William Meyer, an administrative commander with the Gurnee Police Department, emphasized that the exercise was crafted to be as realistic as possible, using moulage to simulate injuries like burns and fractures caused by explosions.

In the exercise, terrorists were not clearly distinguished from students, as law enforcement often doesn't know who the threats are in real situations. This realism helps train personnel to react effectively under pressure. Gurnee isn’t the first to adopt this method—similar drills were recently conducted in Bristol, Wisconsin, showing a growing trend in emergency preparedness across the country.

Acrylic Wind Chime

Acrylic Wind Chime,Fish Wind Chime,Diamond Wind Chime,Tuned Wind Chimes

Wind Chimes | Resin Sculptures | Customization , https://www.revinnodesign.com