Emergency responders tear through disaster training

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jarred Woods | American Red Cross and other volunteers assist victim role-players with sleeping arrangements at a mock dormitory located at Mitchell W. Stout Physical Fitness Center at Fort Bliss, Texas Sept. 4, 2014. The exercise was part of Iron Response, a training program designed to establish a learning environment for players to implement emergency response plans, policies and procedures as they pertain to a full-scale incident. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jarred Woods, 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)  

FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

09.15.2014

Story by Sgt. Jarred Woods 

16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT BLISS, Texas - A fireman tirelessly cut his way through twisted wreckage to rescue victims of a devastating car crash. A frantic driver, fleeing the area to avoid extreme weather conditions had attempted to beat a train across a track creating a mangled mass of metal, glass and smoke.

This was just one of several scenarios from the Iron Response severe weather operations training, Sept. 1–4, which was designed to establish a learning environment to implement emergency response plans, policies and procedures for a full-scale incident.

“This exercise has been in preparation and planning for over a year,” said Col. Thomas E. Munsey, the garrison commander. “It has allowed us to exercise our emergency preparedness measures and command and controls so that we can meet our obligations to Soldier’s families and civilian employees.”

Military police and other emergency medical services facilitated the simulation of rescue operations. Also, Red Cross, Salvation Army and other volunteers were on hand to assist with the training of caring for displaced or affected people by setting up an aid shelter at Mitchell W. Stout Physical Fitness Center here.

“We need to make sure that everyone in the community is prepared for an emergency, and Fort Bliss is a big part of that community,” said Mike Haslacker, a disaster services chairman with the American Red Cross. “We’re bringing our expertise to the people of Fort Bliss, so they can be better prepared in the future.”

As volunteers provide vital support such as medical supplies, food, water, shelter and other services, many obstacles can arise.

“Logistics are a big challenge,” added Haslacker. “We have to get our vehicles ready to roll, as well as make sure we have heat, blankets, food and ensure we have all of our other equipment; all while doing it safely.”

Although physical needs must be addressed during a disaster, psychological and possible spiritual needs are often a necessity, according to Thomas World, a director of disaster services with the Salvation Army.

“Many people, when something happens, ask the question, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ or ‘What do I do now?’” added World. “Our job is to help them get past those questions; get them to breathe, eat and start living again. Our goal is to help people get over their initial shock. Whatever that takes, we’re there.”

As Iron Response, one of Fort Bliss’ largest full-scale training initiatives, continues to evolve, it will develop and sustain the Soldier’s and civilian employees’ ability to react to a real life disaster.

• Date Taken: 09.15.2014
• Date Posted: 09.16.2014 14:28
• Story ID: 142319
• Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US