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. The goal of the drill was to improve emergency response times in critical situations, particularly in hostage or active shooter scenarios.
Traditionally, police secure an area before medical teams arrive, which can delay treatment for injured individuals. This exercise tested a new method: police officers would sweep a room without fully securing it, allowing paramedics to quickly enter and provide initial triage and first aid. This approach aims to deliver life-saving care faster, potentially increasing survival rates in high-risk incidents.
The drills are held twice a year at major local locations, including Six Flags, Gurnee Mills, and schools across the community. These exercises help ensure that first responders are familiar with the layout of key buildings, should a real crisis occur.
In addition to local departments, the U.S. Navy participated by playing roles within the scenario. Firefighters from Grayslake, Waukegan, and Zion also joined, along with teachers who helped simulate realistic conditions.
The training began with a mock call about a broken leg at the school. As firefighters arrived, they heard gunshots and alerted the police. From there, the scenario evolved based on how the teams responded, offering a dynamic and realistic test of coordination.
William Meyer, an administrative commander with the Gurnee Police Department, emphasized that the simulation was designed to mirror real-life events as closely as possible. Moulage techniques were used to create realistic injuries, such as burns and visible fractures, to enhance the training experience.
Importantly, terrorists were not clearly identified from students during the exercise, as law enforcement often faces uncertainty in real situations.
Gurnee is not the only community exploring this approach—similar drills were recently conducted in Bristol, Wisconsin, showing a growing trend in collaborative emergency preparedness across the country.
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