Lisbon Members Participate in Mass Casualty Incident Drill

 
By EMS Sergeant Amanda Barnett
September 15, 2013
 

Did you know that Howard County has not declared a mass casualty incident in over 12 years? That may be a long time, but it sure hasn't kept DFRS from planning and training for the worst.

Today, members of Lisbon VFC participated in an MCI drill that familiarized them with the resources available within the county, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) patient tracking technology, and the basic response to an event leading to more casualties (patients) than immediate resources (initial fire department units arriving on the scene) can handle.

Following the brief classroom portion, the knowledge was put to the test with a simulated MCI event-- a bus roll-over with 15 patients. The Lisbon VFC members worked along side their career colleges to rapidly triage, move to the appropriate treatment area, and coordinate transport of the victims.

With I-70 spanning the full width of the Lisbon VFC first-due and the location of numerous mutual-aid calls, an MCI could happen at any moment. It is imperative that we participate in routine training such as today's to remain sharp in our skills.
 
Special Ops 10-- MCI Pod contains enough medical supplies and equipment to care for 24 patients, plus it houses an ATV with the ability to move equipment/supplies or patients.
Special Ops 10-- MCI Pod contains enough medical supplies and equipment to care for 24 patients, plus it houses an ATV with the ability to move equipment/supplies or patients.
Medical Ambulance Bus (MAB) can transport 25 seated patients or 14 stretchered patients.
Medical Ambulance Bus (MAB) can transport 25 seated patients or 14 stretchered patients.
 
MCI "scene" with casualties awaiting triage.
MCI "scene" with casualties awaiting triage.
Treatment area awaiting patients.
Treatment area awaiting patients.