Chatham Emergency Squad Partnered with Police and Fire Departments to Train for Mass Casualty Event

Chatham, NJ, April 22, 2017- The Chatham Emergency Squad (CES) in conjunction with the

Chatham Township Police Department and the Chatham Township Fire Department completed

a day long training session and drill at 495 River Road late last month. The focus of the training

was Mass Casualty Incidents and First Responders’ roles in handling these emergency situations.

A Mass Casualty Incident is the New Jersey Office of Emergency Services' (NJ-EMS) term for

worst-case type scenarios, which require multiple ambulances and police, fire and rescue crews,

such as a NJ Transit train derailment, a bus accident or a hazardous material leak.

These situations involve extensive coordination, special procedures and additional training in

order for the Squad, Police and Fire Departments to be ready to handle whatever situation may

arise. The training included a hands on drill involving a scenario designed to practice

procedures and skills. This years training scenario was a very significant multiple motor vehicle

accident. All 3 of Chatham's ambulances and multiple fire engines were involved in the drills,

which also included tools and equipment specifically developed for large-scale emergency

situations. Local Chatham residents volunteered their time to role-play as patients for the

practice scenarios. Some of the role playing patients simulated being entrapped in the vehicles,

giving the fire department the opportunity to practice their extraction techniques.

According to Tim Brown, CES’s Mass Casualty Incident Manager, "While we hope these

disastrous situations will never occur in Chatham, the possibility exists, and our job is to be

ready and be prepared to respond."

Training sessions and drills like this is one of the ways your Chatham Emergency Squad

continues to enhance their skills and preparedness for the worst-case scenarios. Last year the

Squad practiced a series of drills on their own; this year CES was pleased to have the Police and

Fire Departments join them. This partnership more accurately reflects how Chatham First

Responders would handle a mass casualty event.

Tom Salvas, a professional photographer donated his time to photograph the event.

The Chatham Emergency Squad is an all volunteer organization comprised of state certified

EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians). CES is largely funded by donations. Please visit

www.chathamemergencysquad.org to donate or learn more.