Scotts Hill crash simulation and Performing Arts Centre evacuation drill to test CHOGM emergency response

Over the next two weeks emergency personnel will test their response plans in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held here in Antigua later this month.

On Thursday 22nd October, a mass casualty exercise simulating a vehicle crash at Scotts Hill will take place, resulting in several people being injured.

The objective is to test the response mechanism at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and it is therefore expected that individuals will be transported there via the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Personnel from the hospital, police, fire, various clinics and the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) will all be part of this week’s exercise expected to run from 10:00 am to 1:00pm. There will be some disruptions to vehicular traffic in the vicinity of the exercise.

Meanwhile, an evacuation drill is being planned for next week Tuesday 27 October at the newly constructed Performing Arts Centre on High Street in St. John’s.

This venue has been designated for the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which will see a host of high-level delegates in attendance. The safety of participants will be paramount and it’s important that emergency personnel are well prepared for any incident. NODS has been working with various hotels and event venues to enhance their emergency plans ahead of the most significant international meeting ever to be held in Antigua.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua plans mass casualty and evacuation drills ahead of CHOGM.