By PR | 07:29 PM October 26, 2024
A simulation exercise (SimEx) took place at the Capitol on Friday morning, aimed at streamlining emergency responses from various agencies.
Employees of the provincial government of Bohol simulated evacuation measures in an explosion incident held at the Capitol Grounds on October 25.
An estimated 50 individuals with open wounds, fractures, and other explosion-related injuries acted during the activity.
The simulation is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Bohol’s disaster preparedness, and emergency response capabilities, and improve coordination among responders, in line with the Capitol’s Strategic Agenda envisioned by Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado.
“The main purpose of this mass casualty management approach, or the system itself is for the different agencies to work together,” said Niel John Oclarit, Public Information Officer of the SimEx, during a quick interview.
He was referring to the participating agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’s (PDRRMO) TARSIER 117.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices of Baclayon, Corella, Dauis, Panglao, and Tagbilaran City also joined the mass casualty simulation.
“Response time is crucial,” Oclarit stated, noting that it will be evaluated for appropriateness based on the specific event.
Oclarit announced a post-incident evaluation meeting following the simulation, recognizing the importance of time in emergency response.
The meeting will focus on reviewing protocols, assessing agency capabilities, and suggesting potential improvements to standard operating procedures.
Moreover, hospitals also responded to the activity, including ACE Medical Center, Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center, HNU Medical Canter, and Ramiro Community Hospital.
SimEx marked the end of a five-day training program on mass casualty management led by national trainers from the DOH.
The training was participated by representatives from the response teams of the 10 provincial district hospitals, TARSIER 117, and the Dauis Medical Emergency Response Unit.
The Provincial Health Office (PHO), which is one of the participating offices, led the implementation of SimEx, which is funded by the PDRRMO.
Dan Blyke Bantugan of the PHO served as Incident Commander of the SimEx.
The SimEx implemented a mass casualty management system that replaced the basic and classical response approach, enabling agencies to work closely toward a unified objective set by the command post. (PIMO/JSS)
