Earthquake and other “Drills”

Last Thursday a group of us PCV’s and counterparts had a meeting at the Regional office. Just as we were to leave to attend the meeting we were told it was going to start late but had no idea why. Upon our arrival we were informed that there was to be an earthquake drill at the top of the hour (9am). Just after 9am we were told to head outside because the alarm had been sounded and we needed to evacuate (no alarm was heard by any of us). Anyway we headed outside and everyone had their hands resting on their head, I guess to protect it but not sure. There were no instructions about a proper exit strategy.

We walked down the street a bit towards a large open area. All the Region 3 offices in the area were participating in the drill. When we arrived at the main open area we could hear the Mission Impossible music theme playing in the area and there were two to three large covered areas erected next to each other in the open area. There were stretchers laid out and tons of plastic chairs set there with a large group of people under the tents. These people included Region 3 directors, police and emergency coordinators and who knows who else. On either side of the large open space are two buildings with smoke billowing from them (not real smoke but probably a canister).

The rescue teams were sent in to “rescue” victims. Victims were able to sign up to participate for the role during this drill. It was rather organized; ambulances were pleasantly coming round the corner with victims to drop off at the tent or pick up others to take to the hospital. Eight rescuers calmly carried down a victim on a stretcher board to the tent. It was the most amazing thing to see. Another rescuer was scaling down the side of a building with a “victim” who was on the top floor of the burning building.

It was rather comical and rather amusing drill but totally unrealistic. If there was an earthquake the tents would not be prepared ahead of time and just waiting for the injured. As in an event of a real emergency we would unfortunately not have the pleasure of the Mission Impossible theme song to keep our spirits up.

I will post pics next time I'm at the computer shop.