NRP, SFPS RANGERS to Demonstrate Catastrophic Response Capabilities in Mock Drill
WHO: Maryland Natural Resources Police and State Forest and Park Service Rangers, Local Fire and Rescue, Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Red Cross and other CISM Response Teams
WHEN: Thursday, May 13, 2004,10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
WHAT: Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team Practical Exercise (Mock Drill)
Mock Drill Scenario: Terrorists have used explosives to blow up the I-70 Bridge where it crosses the Patapsco River between Baltimore and Howard County. The bridge has collapsed, stopping all interstate travel via I-70. This is a catastrophic incident involving crushed, impaled, drowned, and burned victims with a number of survivors still in vehicles and along the shore of the Patapsco River. Issues to consider will include coordinating a multi-jurisdictional response, dealing with water rescues, the active CSX railroad track in the near vicinity, debris removal with injured victims and bodies trapped below the bridge, and the logistical challenge of dealing with a disaster scene that has limited road access (the bridge is ½ mile from the nearest county road and victims may be found up to .9 mile downriver adjacent to the Union Dam Tunnel.
WHERE: Patapsco Valley State Park, Pickall Area - Shelter 705 and the Patapsco River adjacent to Union Dam Railroad Tunnel
WHY: To demonstrate DNR’s capabilities for catastrophic response, as well as gauge operational efficiencies through repetitive training. The main focus will be group diffusings that provides information to emergency responders before they are released from the incident.
DIRECTIONS:
From Baltimore:
From the Beltway (I-695) take Security Blvd. (Exit 17) westbound. Go 0.5 mile and turn left on North Rolling Rd. Take next right (Fairbrook Rd.). Go 1 mile, turn left on Johnnycake Rd. Go 1.5 miles. Park Entrance is on the left.
Posted May 11, 2004