Earlier this week, multiple area emergency response teams participated in a drill simulating a disaster requiring agencies to work together. The drill took place Wednesday evening in Manning and replicated a bus rollover accident with about 20 kids participating by simulating injuries. Manning Fire Chief, Robert Barsby, says the value of these exercises cannot be overstated.
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When serious incidents do occur, as many available agencies as possible respond to the scene. Templeton Fire Chief, Jim Bruggeman, says the departments often work together to fill in for equipment they do not have.
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Responders needed to cut into the bus to remove the volunteers. The drill required execution from start to finish. Area hospitals participated by receiving critical patients like they would in a true emergency. The drill took about two hours, but Carroll County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Coordinator, Sara Anderson, says the work does not end there.
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EMA puts on at least three training sessions per year for area agencies to practice working together. Funding for the drill was provided by the Carroll County Emergency Preparedness Coalition. Carroll County Emergency Medical Services, Carroll County Public Health, Manning Regional Healthcare Center, St. Anthony Regional Hospital, Manning Police Department and Templeton, Manning and Manilla Fire Departments participated in the exercise. Photos of the drill can be found included below this story.