By Becky Holland
Bleckley Memorial Hospital recently participated in a disaster preparedness exercise designed to help staff respond to large-scale emergencies that could overwhelm local resources.
Each year, hospitals are required to conduct two such exercises, preparing for scenarios ranging from major vehicle accidents to natural disasters or other incidents involving multiple victims in need of urgent care.
“This is about making sure we’re ready for anything,” said Brittany Brown, ER Nurse Manager, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, and Pediatric Nurse Coordinator at Bleckley Memorial Hospital.
This year’s regional exercise was coordinated in Laurens County with the Region H Coalition, a group focused on strengthening emergency response efforts across the area. The scenario simulated an SUV crashing into bleachers during a St. Patrick’s Day parade, resulting in numerous injuries. Victims were then distributed among hospitals throughout the region.
At Bleckley Memorial, staff conducted a smaller, on-site version of the exercise. Several employees volunteered their children to participate, helping create a realistic training environment.
The goal of the drill was to evaluate how emergency responders — including EMS, fire, and law enforcement — work together to assess patients, prioritize care, and transport individuals to the appropriate medical facilities.
According to Brown, the exercise was a success.
“We were able to identify many strengths, as well as some areas where we can improve,” she said. “That’s exactly what these drills are designed to do — help us be better prepared for real-life situations.”
Special attention was given to pediatric care, as children are considered a particularly vulnerable population in emergency situations. Brown noted that the hospital’s emergency department has recently received equipment upgrades and additional training hours to better handle pediatric emergencies.
Through continued training and collaboration, hospital officials say they are committed to ensuring the community is prepared for whatever challenges may arise.
Photos by Bleckley Memorial Hospital
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