Emergency Services Coordinating Agency

Kenmore, Washington (March 12, 2007) —  On Saturday, March 10, the earth rumbled and cracked.  Buildings fell and widespread damage overwhelmed local fire and police officers.   

Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) volunteers brought out their radios and provided communications support. 

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers got out their disaster kits and personal protection gear.  They conducted search and rescue and medical support for the injured. 

This is a drill.  This is a drill. 

At 9:00 on Saturday morning, more than 40 people demonstrated their dedication to emergency preparedness.  RACES and CERT volunteers from the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA), Northshore Fire CERT and Children’s Hospital’s CERT got together to practice their skills for that “when” scenario:  “When the big one hits.”  

Dedicated “victims” were recruited from among the CERT players as well as the local Scout troops.  Fake blood flowed freely, and horrible wounds (made from moulage, or make-up) were in evidence on all the victims.  Once the moulage was completed, the victims were distributed along the first two floors of the old seminary building at St. Edward Park.  Final instructions were given.

 The stage was set. 

 

The Response

In the Incident Command Post, the CERT folks were getting organized.  Three teams were assigned:  two for search and rescue, and one for medical treatment.   

Over the next two and a half hours, RACES members passed radio traffic on the status of the “disaster.”  Communications were tested between the cities, ESCA, and the players at St. Edward Park.  CERT members from the three agencies found, treated and rescued all victims.   

Of course, the next exercise will be take place in another three months...

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If you are interested in learning more about the CERT or RACES programs, please contact ESCA at 425-776-3722.