Davis-Monthan partners with local emergency responders for medical exercise

Published Nov. 1, 2010
By 011110

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Emergency responders from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base are slated to collaborate with their local counterparts for an emergency management exercise held here 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 4.

The National Disaster Medical System Exercise is designed to test joint civilian and military capabilities in response to an aircraft arriving to the base with more than 200 mass casualties.

The exercise consists of two phases - a planning phase scheduled for Nov. 1-3 and an execution phase on Nov. 4 at the Snowbird ramp.

Interested media will have opportunity to see responders implement proper procedures for handling mass casualties to include establishing triage areas to care for casualties and dispersal points for ambulances to transport casualties to civilian medical care facilities.

"During a crisis D-M and community first responders and medical personnel will have to be able to work together efficiently," said Col. John Cherrey, 355th Fighter Wing commander. "Conducting this exercise reinforces our partnership with the community and ensures we're well-prepared to minimize loss of life and property in an emergency."

Media interested in covering the event may contact the 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at 228-3406 by no later than noon Nov. 2 and meet at 7 a.m. Nov. 4. at the Craycroft Gate's visitor's center.

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