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Collaborative Multiagency Exercise Tests Bethesda's Emergency Response

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101022-13
10/22/2010

By Sarah Fortney, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs

Bethesda, MD (NNS) -- National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda hosted the annual Collaborative Multiagency Exercise (CMAX) Oct. 14, testing their emergency response skills and efforts.

CMAX, designed to evaluate response efforts between the command and surrounding agencies in the event of a mass casualty, was held in concert with Joint Force Headquarters' Capital Shield 2011. There were more than 28 hospitals in the region that participated in the drill.

In the past, the drill has involved mock explosions and building collapses on campus. This year was the first time the drill took place, in part, off campus and involved two scenarios taking place simultaneously, said Chief Master-at-Arms Robert Hebron, NNMC and NSA interim anti-terrorism officer.

"That's potentially how [an emergency] could happen," said Hebron.

The morning of the drill, hospital officials announced the beginning of the first scenario: a building collapsing in Washington, D.C., after a make-believe terrorist attack the day before, which resulted in 700 injuries, some of whom were exposed to a chemical agent.

After being "decontaminated," about 30 volunteers acting as patients arrived for treatment at NNMC. Shortly after, officials announced another scenario: a van broke through security gate, shooting a security guard before running inside the Child Development Center where he, according to the scenario, took a number of adults and 10 children hostage.

Hebron said officials began to collaborate for the drill almost a year ago, and it was an extensive process. In the months leading up to CMAX, subject matter experts not only prepared for the drill, developing the scenario and identifying key players, but also drafted standard operating procedures and an instruction on what to do in the event an active shooter was on campus.

Hebron said the event was made possible thanks to the support of command leadership and by the many volunteers. In addition to the staff who acted as patients, about 45 individuals from the base security force, including Department of Defense Police, first responders, NSA Bethesda police and Auxiliary Security Force, also stepped in to lend a hand.

Not only did the drill help better prepare for a mass casualty, he said, it was also an opportunity to enhance communication. Hebron emphasized the importance of keeping staff informed during a crisis, and getting the word out about what is going on at all times.

Hebron also stressed the importance of educating staff, patients and visitors on how to react during a crisis.

"We're trying to re-assure the individuals they are safe here," he said.

Staff should know security codes and instructions, such as "shelter in place," meaning personnel should remain where they are, staying out of harm's way to prevent them from becoming a potential victim, while taking accountability for their staff and locking doors and windows, said Hebron.

While the CMAX scenarios were underway, staff members participated in command training lectures and briefings to enhance readiness. Informational booths were also on display throughout the hospital for staff to pick up brochures and ask questions.

"The more we train, the more efficient we'll be, and the safer the hospital will be," he said.