Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
Gurnee police and fire departments conducted a mass casualty training exercise on Saturday, May 2nd, 2015, at Woodland Intermediate School. The goal of the drill was to improve emergency response times in critical situations by testing a new coordinated approach between law enforcement and medical personnel.
Traditionally, police officers secure an area before calling for medical assistance, which can delay treatment for injured individuals. This exercise introduced a different method: officers would sweep a room without fully securing it, allowing paramedics to quickly enter and perform initial triage and first aid. This strategy could significantly reduce response time in hostage or active shooter scenarios, potentially saving lives.
The drills are held twice a year at key locations like Six Flags, Gurnee Mills, and local schools, ensuring that emergency responders are familiar with the layout in case of an actual incident. This preparation is crucial for quick and effective action during real emergencies.
The U.S. Navy also participated in the exercise, portraying characters within the scenario. Firefighters from Grayslake, Waukegan, and Zion joined the effort, along with teachers who helped simulate realistic conditions.
The simulation began with the fire department responding to a call about a broken leg at the school. However, as they arrived, they heard gunshots and alerted the police. From there, the scenario evolved based on how the teams responded, mimicking unpredictable real-life events.
William Meyer, an administrative commander with the Gurnee Police Department, emphasized that the exercise aimed to replicate real-world conditions as closely as possible. Moulage techniques were used to create lifelike injuries, such as burns and visible fractures, adding to the realism of the training.
In the drill, terrorists were not clearly distinguished from students, reflecting the uncertainty that often exists in real-life crisis situations. This approach helps prepare responders for the unknown.
Gurnee is not the first to adopt this method—similar exercises have been conducted in places like Bristol, Wisconsin, just a month prior. These types of trainings are becoming more common as communities seek to enhance their preparedness for large-scale emergencies.
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