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Navy, Japanese Forces Train to Care for Casualties

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081108-19
Release Date: 11/8/2008 2:22:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kari R. Bergman, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det., Japan

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Yokosuka teamed up with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) Regional Fire Department as part of a mass casualty drill held at Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Nov. 6.

The mass casualty scenario simulated an earthquake, which decimated parts of the Yokosuka area, collapsing the ceiling of the base gymnasium, trapping and injuring 30 simulated victims.

The drill focused on ensuring the USNH special medical operational response team (SMORT), along with the JMSDF reacted and provided fire responder care, triage and helped the fire department evacuate the building.

"We hold these drills bi-annually and it gives us a chance to work with the fire department and most importantly gives us a chance to work with the JMSDF," said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Norwood, senior medical officer and team leader. "There is a lot of preparation that goes into these drills; unfortunately we don't have that kind of preparation for an actual event.

"That is why it is so important for us to practice this and get it right and for our teams to coordinate together to make it happen in a coordinated fashion."

The simulated victims during the drill used props to help make the scenario more realistic.

"Using cosmetics and different apparatuses to simulate actual injuries defintely helps us with real-life scenarios," Norwood said. "It gives a better understanding of what we're dealing with."

"Most people are hands-on learners and to be able to actually visualize and put their hands on the injury helps," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Sarah Templeman, a native of Jacksonville, Fla. and a member of the USNH SMORT team. "Having the fake blood and props helps us visualize what it would be like in a real situation, and it doesn't necessarily desensitize us, but it prepares us for those conditions."

The drill also helps the USNH and the JMSDF keep up with training, interoperability and to stay prepared for real-world scenarios.

"Our roles at the hospital are very different than this kind of scenario," Norwood said. "Our SMORT team trains together twice a month, but these disaster drills with the JMSDF are really our best opportunity to practice our skills when we don't get the opportunity in our normal everyday jobs."

Most participants reveal that they learn something new each time they participate in a mass casualty drill.

"I definitely learned teamwork and that thorough communication is necessary, especially when it has to deal with a mass causality," Templeman said. "It seems really hectic, and it is important to be prepared before hand."

For more news from Commander, Naval Forces Japan, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnfj/.