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Fake Disaster Offers Practice For Public Safety Agencies
By: Taylor Pool
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Ohio public safety agencies use simulations to practice responding to incidents that could occur in Southeast Ohio.
The Ohio National Guard and Ross County public safety agencies conducted on Saturday a simulated steam pipeline explosion and partial structure collapse at the local Glatfelter paper mill.
Local, state, federal agencies joined the ONG at Camp Sherman Joint Training Center in Chillicothe to use the camp's structural collapse simulator and pile of rubble and old cars to simulate the incident.
The Chillicothe Fire Department determined the explosion would have leaked toxic chemicals into the air.
"It's been a great learning experience," said Captain Joe Minney, Chillicothe Fire Department. "It's nice to know the resources are available for a real incident and training."
Ohio National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and the Enhanced Response Force Package performed search and extraction, mass patient decontamination and patient stabilization. The unit is made up of 186 people who focus on medical triage and patient stabilization.
Lt. Col. David Mason Jr. said the exercise gave the ONG a chance to work with other public safety officials for the joint mission of saving lives.