Augusta University to take part in disaster drill

More than 100 volunteers and local emergency personnel will join Augusta University’s medical center in an emergency response exercise on Friday, May 3. The mock scenario involves a full-scale, chemical-based disaster resulting in a surge of patients and victims undergoing decontamination.

As the regional coordinating hospital, Augusta University officials will use this exercise to evaluate the medical center’s ability to support an influx of patients, and enhance emergency response and cooperation among area emergency personnel.

“Disaster can strike at any time, and we use these exercises to hone our crisis response skills while providing the necessary health care to save lives,” said Joe Webber, director of the Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPaR) at Augusta University. “I appreciate the cooperation of all of the agencies involved in this exercise, and I know that we will continue working together in creating a culture of preparedness in our community.”

The training will take place on Augusta University’s Health Sciences Campus near the Emergency Department.

This drill is being done in conjunction with the National Disaster Medical System, a supportive emergency response unit of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information or to volunteer as a disaster victim, contact CEPaR at 706-729-2407.