Disaster Drill Benefits From UMV MRC Staffing

The UMV MRC received high praise in a very public forum for its involvement in a regional disaster drill this fall. On September 23, mock events took place in Lowell , Dracut and Billerica that demanded emergency response. Two of our members observed a simulated terrorist attack at a Billerica chemical facility.

Victims and rescuers experience a simulated exposure to anthrax, which created the need for a prophylaxis clinic.

Meanwhile, attendees at an event being held in LeLacheur Park in Lowell were subjected to “anthrax” exposure.

This hazard required local public health employees to set up a large-scale prophylaxis clinic the next day. The Tsongas Arena was soon converted into
an Emergency Dispensing Site.

Thirty members of our unit donned their brand-new uniforms, badges and lanyards to respond with other agencies on the 24th.
Victims entering the Tsongas Arena for mass prophylaxis.

Volunteers with the UMV MRC showed up in force to help with the drill.
These two UMV MRC members were among many participants signing in for the drill. Victims check in at clinic entrance.
Members impressed the sponsoring organizations with their willingness to handle whatever needed to be done for a successful EDS; from dispensing medications to performing triage, and even delivering supplies from one end of the massive arena to the other. The Incident Commander announced, in the post-event debriefing at the conclusion of the drill, “We couldn’t have done this without the MRC!”
UMV MRC nurses discuss preparations for evaluating victims.
Layout of stations at the Tsongas Arena.
A victim waits as the forms are
completed to dispense her medication.
 
 

 

Upper Merrimack Valley Medical Reserve Corps, 55 Main Street, Westford, MA 01886