05/30/2025
Last week, CFVH partnered with local first responders for an emergency drill.
The scenario was a group of individuals from the local stock show who were exposed to livestock derived anthrax and became ill at an evening dinner and dance requiring medical assistance. This was an infectious disease simulation meant to train to a rare, however, severe scenario.
Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) drills are part of the Trauma Program at CFVH and typically involve cross agency drills once every 1 – 3 years. These types of drills are important in critical access hospitals and rural areas where resources can be limited and help can be miles away. These exercises strengthen our county's response to unexpected and high stress situations. It is also an opportunity for separate agencies such as the hospital staff, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), fire crews, dispatch services, local law enforcement, and others to become more familiar working together which can reduce confusion, improve coordination, and ultimately enhance our ability to save lives in situations when every second counts.
Megan Hardenbrook, RN and CFVH ER/Trauma Coordinator, commented that, “It was wonderful to be a part of a drill with participation from multiple specialties with different backgrounds. When we come together, we can learn from each other. We were also graced with a diverse group of patient volunteers to aid in the training.”
Hardenbrook said, “Overall, as with many simulations and trainings, hands-on is the way to go. Being able to physically walk through stressful situations is an unparalleled opportunity for enhancing an individual's as well as a team’s dynamics in an emergency response.”
