JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii  –   On August 11, 2022, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pearl Harbor took part in a quick- reaction, scenario-driven drill to evaluate their response to a mass casualty incident, should one occur.

The drill evaluated NMRTC-PH’s ability to alert staff and respond to the installation’s requests to support the Federal Fire Department.

The scenario kicked off with the premise that a simulated barracks fire occurred, resulting in a mass casualty incident. Federal Fire Department first responded to the incident and then requested a triage team from NMRTC PH to assist.

Around 12 p.m., participants gathered at Quick Field on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii for a safety brief, expectations of support and overview of integration of response. During that time, participants used makeup techniques and moulage kits to simulate mass casualty injuries such as impalements, burns, bruises and abrasions.

NMRTC PH members split into teams dedicated to triage and treatment. The triage team members identified and tracked patients using medical triage cards and placed them in the casualty collection area where treatment team members got to work stabilizing, treating and reassessing casualties. Casualties were then transferred to treatment facilities for further treatment.

The exercise concluded at approximately 2 p.m. followed by a “hot wash” conducted by the NMRTC PH Medical Emergency Manager, Mr. Larry Sabatine.

Mr. Sabatine evaluated NMRTC PH on eight training objectives, to include response and notification procedures; material and non-material capability gaps; ability to arrive within required response time and respond and integrate with FFD instruction; and assess ability to treat, stability and move patients.

NMRTC PH met all eight training objectives successfully, demonstrating their ability to provide appropriate medical response in the event of a mass casualty incident.