Emergency responders put to the test

Fort Jackson emergency personnel train for catastrophes on Remagen Hand Grenade Range and other ranges, but they also prepare for one of the most common accidents -- crashes. A collision between a 5-ton Army truck, carrying Soldiers, and a personally owned vehicle on Dixie Road was the training scenario conducted last week to make sure Fort Jackson is ready for any casualty situation. "We wanted to evaluate and validate Fort Jackson's ability to respond to emergency events," said Lt. Col. Thomas Scovanner, plans G-3 for the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. "These exercises help Fort Jackson prepare procedures to better protect the Soldiers, civilians and family members who are on this installation every day." The exercise, which began at 9:06 a.m. with a 911 call, included participants from the Fort Jackson Fire Department, Directorate of Emergency Services, Fort Jackson Safety Office and DPTMS. Advanced Individual Training Soldiers played the part of accident victims. Minutes later, the first responding police officer arrived at the scene to evaluate the accident and extent of injuries. The POV ended up several feet off the road, and its driver was trapped with two passengers ejected from the vehicle. Several Soldiers, riding in the back of the Army truck, had been ejected, ending up on a grassy area. Personnel from the Fort Jackson Fire Department arrived at the scene and began evaluating victims. They used the Jaws of Life to free the trapped driver and began administering aid to the POV victims who had been ejected. One of the ejected passengers had been killed in the accident. As firefighters began placing victims into ambulances, an air ambulance was called for one of the victims in critical condition. There were more than 10 casualties in the exercise, and injuries ranged from mild to severe. The exercise was considered a success, Scovanner said, and helps ensure Fort Jackson is ready for any medical emergency. "It was a very successful exercise," he said. "Fort Jackson demonstrated that we could respond quickly and decisively. We will apply the lessons learned to improve our planning and execution to future contingencies." Future unannounced medical evacuation training exercises will be conducted each quarter, according to Col. Kevin Shwedo, Fort Jackson deputy commanding officer. Chris.Rasmussen@jackson.army.mil