It sounded like a disaster…but it was only a drill for some area fire departments and emergency medical service providers last night. Five area fire departments were involved in the training in which a serious accident was simulated with mass casualties.
Lynch Area Fire Protection District Lieutenant Chris McMahon explained the scenario. ‘’We had twelve total patients. Arrow Ambulance was also involved with us. We had four cars involved in an accident with one that flipped and ignited. Basically had a good event here where we try to get the chaos that would occur worked out.’’
In addition to Lynch volunteer firefighters, other departments that were involved in the exercise at Carnegie Towing along Illinois route one were Westville, Kickapoo, Tilton and Bismarck.
McMahon said all of the firefighters had a chance to use the equipment they would use in a real emergency. ‘’I think it’s very necessary for all the county departments to do training together. With the short staffing that goes on, with the whole future of the way the fire service is going – staffing is a very big issue. And we have to learn to work together because we’re relying on each other more and more,’’ said McMahon.
McMahon says the training helps not only helps firefighters and EMS services focus on teamwork, it also helped 9-1-1 operators with their training.
