Orcas Fire and Rescue is conducting a large-scale training exercise in the Eastsound area on Oct. 6. The exercise is training for a Mass-Casualty Incident. Joining Orcas Fire volunteers and staff are members of local agencies including Lopez Island Fire and Rescue, Shaw Aid and the San Juan County Sheriff’s office. Local residents also participated as volunteer actors, playing the role of victims.

The MCI will simulate a commercial airplane crash on Orcas Island resulting in multiple victims with a range of traumatic injuries. Chief Scott Williams explained, “It’s important to train and practice for low probability incidents, such as an airplane crash, since the risks are so high in the unlikely event that they do occur. Our training prepares us for these low probability — high-risk events.”

The drill provids an opportunity for training across multiple first-responder skills. These included:

– Command: Effective communications and resource management for the best possible outcome.

– Triage: A first-responder classification system to rapidly identify injuries to multiple patients and increase overall survivability.

– EMS: Pre-hospital medical intervention by EMTs and Paramedics.

– Fire: Fire suppression and hazard mitigation.

– Rescue: Technical rescue which may include ropes and extrication

Orcas Fire and Rescue conducts monthly training to enhance first-responder EMS, Fire and Rescue skills. Orcas residents can also prepare for emergencies. Orcas Fire recommends that residents attend CPR/First Aid training available to the public and create a disaster preparedness plan. Residents are also strongly encouraged to purchase medical air transport insurance from both Airlift NW and Island Air Ambulance. Contact Station 21 during business hours for more information at 360-376-2331.