In a significant demonstration of community preparedness, East Georgia Regional Medical Center (EGRMC) conducted a comprehensive mass casualty drill Friday, July 19, 2024.
The exercise, simulating a hypothetical mass shooting event at Paulson Stadium, involved multiple local agencies including the Bulloch Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Bulloch Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Bulloch County VOAD (VOAD), Ogeechee Technical College, and Grice Connect.
The drill was meticulously designed to test and refine the response capabilities of EGRMC and its partners. The scenario involved 30 gunshot victims, with actors and volunteers including OTC students and EGRMC staff family posing as patients.
Each victim presented with various symptoms related to gunshot wounds, as well as distraught family members seeking information about their loved ones. This realistic setup provided emergency staff with the opportunity to practice triage, patient flow, and communication under pressure.
Stephen Pennington, CEO of EGRMC, emphasized the importance of such exercises: "Whether it's a mass shooting or any large-scale emergency, these drills ensure we are prepared. They foster collaboration, create familiarity with procedures, and help our team recognize each other's strengths, ensuring we can respond effectively and save lives."
The exercise highlighted several key aspects of emergency response, including incident command, communication, security, and overall coordination among the involved agencies. By identifying potential problems and areas for improvement, EGRMC aims to enhance its readiness for real-life emergencies.
"I believe Friday's drill was much needed. The professionalism and high level of skill sets displayed is refreshing. 'Blue Sky' training proves to be the key ingredient to handling any disaster," said Corey Kemp, Bulloch County EMA Director. "Our goal at EMA is the same as it is for all of the agencies involved today and that is saving lives by increasing our efforts in preparedness and response. The entire team at EGRMC and Bulloch County EMS proved their unmatched abilities to rise up when our community needs them most."
Despite the intensity and scale of the drill, the hospital maintained full operational status, ensuring that patient care was not disrupted. This balance between training and ongoing medical services underscores EGRMC's commitment to both preparedness and patient care.
Today's drill not only tested the systems and processes in place but also reinforced the collaborative spirit among local agencies. Such exercises are crucial for ensuring that the community is well-prepared for any emergency, ultimately aiming to protect and save lives.
