Training key to being ready for mass emergencies first responders hope will never happen

Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) are disasters, either human-made or natural, in which local management agencies and the healthcare system are overwhelmed.

Emergency services provides a vital role in triaging, stabilizing and transporting victims to definitive care during MCIs.

Recently, about two dozen local first responders from law enforcement, fire and EMS participated in this exercise.

Fake casualties were classified from red, meaning critical, to green, which were the walking wounded.

Chief Ben Meddles with Marion Township Fire is concerned about a mass casualty incident occurring at local schools. Meddles feels this multi-agency training is an excellent way to prepare for the unfortunate and unforeseen events that happen to communities.

The key point of the exercise was to mitigate any threats on scene and then rapidly move the victims to a higher level of care.

Funding for the training was provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.