The Fort Leavenworth (Kansas) Garrison conducted a full-scale exercise around a scenario involving an F-2 “tornado” that tore through a portion of military housing on Fort Leavenworth June 12. The purpose of this annual exercise is for the Garrison to implement strategies of responding to crises. Scenarios within these exercises change depending on the decisions made by the Garrison.
Deputy Fire Chief Edgar Guerra, Fort Leavenworth Fire and Emergency Services, said full-scale exercises create a more realistic way for personnel to prepare for emergencies and take into account the employees and families of the Fort Leavenworth community. Emergency responders and support staffs work through the exercise scenario to provide the responses and resources needed for the problems presented. Civilians are provided safety information regarding natural disasters, active shooter situations, and other issues that require first responders and community cooperation.
After the tornado struck and caused destruction in the scenario, Fort Leavenworth Fire and Emergency Services personnel arrived on the scene.
Guerra explained the importance of personnel knowing how to respond to these kinds of disasters.
“The general point is for us to act on whatever the crisis is,” Guerra said. “We do this annually to ensure that everyone is aware of how to properly do their duties.”
Firefighters were in charge of search-and-rescue procedures. “Survivors” were scattered throughout the area, with some role-players verbally requesting assistance, others remaining silent. Firefighters acted quickly in locating survivors, aiding them in escaping the debris left from the tornado.
Off-post emergency response teams also participated in the exercise, including members of the Leavenworth Fire Department, who used airbags and crowbars to gain access to “victims” who were designated as hurt, distressed or deceased in the scenario. Firefighters navigated through the route of the notional tornado, working diligently to clear debris, retrieve victims, and maintain a safe and sufficient process until they were able to give the all clear. Firefighters provided physical assistance to lift one another to scale and climb over walls.
The fire departments intentionally worked closely with emergency medical staff throughout the exercise. Leavenworth County Emergency Medical Services Director Jamie Miller expressed the importance of these exercises.
“We do these kinds of disaster procedures in their entirety. We always look to have a process for these kinds of events” he said.
Miller was in charge of instructing EMS responders on how to act quickly and efficiently to preserve the safety of those affected by the tornado. EMS responders checked vitals of surviving victims, initiated immediate treatment of wounds, and worked to assist families and locate potential casualties.
Medical stretchers were used to carry victims with critical injuries. Finishing up the search for survivors, first responders took account of all who were involved.
In the scenario, the tornado resulted in damaged property, four casualties with several injuries, and loss of power and supplies in various areas on post.
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