Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Despite unseasonably cold temperatures and occasional snow flurries, over 100 firefighters and EMS personnel from 13 area departments converged on NTC’s Public Safety Center of Excellence Saturday morning, for a Mass Casualty Exercise- the first ever hosted by the Merrill Fire Department.
As part of the 3 1/2-hour exercise, crews conducted mock rescue and life saving procedures on ‘victims’ related to a ‘Casino Bus vs Mini Van collision.’
Along with an incident command post comprised of fire department officials, state and county Emergency Management officials, a mock press conference was also coordinated with local media outlets via a designated Public Information Officer (PIO).
“I am very pleased with what I saw today,” commented Merrill fire chief Dave Savone.
“When we are through with the today’s exercise we will get together and discuss things but overall I can honestly say I have not seen anything that jumps out at me as needing improvement, except for maybe the weather” he added with a chuckle.
Merrill mayor Bill Bialecki and Lincoln County Board chairman Bob Lee expressed their approval of the exercise as well as being very pleased to have such a large turnout.
Savone indicated aspirations to have similar exercises every four years.