Gabriola Emergency Services hold mass casualty incident training exercise

A Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Training Exercise was held on Gabriola on October 22. The incident simulated a GERTIE bus being in a collision with a drunk driver on South Road. The simulation also involved the main communication lines being struck and knocked out. In all, 18 patients were triaged, treated, and transported to appropriate locations based on how critical their injuries. Hosted by the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department, the exercise incorporated staff, volunteers, and care providers from the Gabriola Medical Clinic, the BC Ambulance Service, Gabriola RCMP, Coast Emergency Communications Association (CECA), Emergency Social Services (ESS), Pets And Livestock Society (PALS), the Regional District of Nanaimo Emergency Services Department, Gabriola Fellowship Church, the Gabriola Players, the GERTIE Community Bus, and was observed by Island Health staff with Health Emergency Management BC (HEMBC). Of note, BC Ambulance Service, Gabriola Fire, and Gabriola RCMP maintained readiness for ‘actual’ emergencies, and sent members to respond to at least two emergencies while the training exercise was occurring. 

Photos by Derek Kilbourn, Gabriola Sounder