By PR | 11:11 PM October 24, 2024
A mass casualty management simulation exercise (Simex) will be held tomorrow, October 25, 2024, at the New Bohol Provincial Capitol Grounds from 10 a. m. to 12 noon.
The simulation is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Bohol’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities, given the province’s vulnerability to both natural disasters and man-made emergencies such as typhoons, earthquakes, and flooding, and possible natural threats, which may include bombings, fires, and vehicular incidents that pose serious risks to public safety.
Recognizing these dangers, the provincial government of Bohol, under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, is conducting a simulation to address the gaps identified in the province’s emergency management system.
This initiative aims to improve coordination among responders, in line with the Capitol’s Strategic Agenda on environmental sustainability, resiliency, and disaster preparedness.
The exercise will simulate large-scale emergencies, including a bombing and fire, with participants from various agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
Other organizations, including the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and the City and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (CDRRMO and MDRRMO) of Corella and Dauis, will also take part.
More than 1,400 Capitol employees are expected to participate in the evacuation drill, in which ambulances, fire trucks, and police units will be deployed to simulate real-time responses.
The exercise marks the end of a five-day training program on mass casualty management led by national trainers from the Department of Health.
Representatives from the Health Emergency Response Team of the 10 provincial district hospitals, TARSIER 117, and the Dauis Medical Emergency Response Unit (MERU) will assist in managing the mock incidents.
The representatives were the participants in the training, which aims to prepare local response teams for large-scale emergencies by honing their skills and improving coordination.
The Provincial Health Office (PHO), which is one of the participating offices, will lead the implementation of SimEx, which is funded by the PDRRMO.
Residents and motorists are advised not to be alarmed by emergency vehicles and personnel in the Capitol area during the simulation.
Traffic congestion is expected, and the public is encouraged to plan their routes accordingly. (PIMO/JSS)
