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Community Emergency Disaster Training
Lexington VA Medical Center
Community Emergency Disaster Training
Kentucky’s Best – Preparing for the Worst!
According to DeWayne Hamlin, Medical Center Director, “We often see the best come out in people when the worst has happened. The tornadoes of January and March are proof of this and that we are a tight-knit community committed to caring for one another.”
Tornadoes can happen at any time, anywhere. “Having a plan of action in place before a tornado strikes, whether you are at home, at work, or at school, can save lives” says Hamlin.
“As a VA medical center, we must always be prepared to take action. We maintain a coordinated exercise program to evaluate and ensure our readiness capability in relation to a variety of natural, manmade and technological emergencies; as well as DoD contingency situations,” reports Hamlin. “This year, during the week of May 14, we are simulating a tornado disaster at our Leestown Division that allows us and our community partners to work together as a team to sharpen our skills, train new staff, and test new equipment,” says Hamlin.
The disaster drill encompasses VA, local, state and federal exercise planning coordination. “Not everyone realizes VA’s “Fourth Mission” is to improve the Nation’s preparedness for response to war, terrorism, national emergencies, and natural disasters,” states Hamlin. “We fulfill this mission by supporting national, state, and local emergency management, public health, safety and homeland security efforts. This week we will put our resources and ourselves to the test.”
Please feel free to join us for the following.
- Wednesday, May 16 – Staff from VA, local, state, and federal agencies will simulate scenario where tornado hits hospital in building once used for staff quarters. Equipment set-up starts at 9 a.m. Media/VIP briefings on exercise, training and equipment will start at 10:30am to noon. Training for hospital personnel/first responders will take place throughout the day. Responder, medical, mass casualty, command and emergency transport equipment valued in excess of $2 million located in the region will be on display.
- Thursday, May 17 – Volunteers will start arriving at 7:30 a.m. Exercise will begin at 9 a.m. Exercise will end at approximately 11:30 a.m. Evaluation afterward.
According to Hamlin, “It’s important that we educate our community about the resources we have, how we work together as a team, and our collective ability to respond effectively in these situations. That’s the confidence we hope to inspire as Kentucky’s best – prepares for the worst.”
Lexington VAMC Public Affairs
