Navy, local responders roll out a joint drill to test emergency response
By Ron Rocky Coloma
Thirty-three people were rushed to Guam Memorial Hospital after being injured in a vehicle collision involving a material shipment at Polaris Point.
“Overall, we did what we could with the resources we had,” said Cindy Hanson, public information officer for GMH.
The U.S. Navy and the government of Guam devised the accident scenario with mass casualties during a joint emergency response exercise at Polaris Point on Aug. 2.
The exercise was designed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Navy and the local government’s emergency response system.
The drill, which required the Navy to deploy the transportation emergency response team, aimed to test and validate joint notification and response procedures between military and local civil authorities.
The exercise was part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the Navy’s nuclear-powered warships homeported in Guam and the local authorities are fully prepared to handle potential emergencies.
“Our collaboration with the U.S. Navy is crucial for the safety and well-being of our community,” said Charles Esteves, administrator of the Guam Office of Civil Defense. “This exercise enhances our readiness and ability to respond effectively to emergencies.”
The exercise successfully tested the coordination between the Navy, local authorities and various emergency management personnel.
It allowed all agencies involved to practice external coordination processes and strengthen relationships, ensuring a more efficient response in the event of a real incident.
Besides GMH, other organizations that teamed up with the Navy were the Guam Department of Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense, Guam Fire Department, Guam Police Department, Guam Environmental Protection Agency, Emergency Medical Services, Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services, Guam Army National Guard 94th Civil Support Team and Guam Regional Medical City.
During the exercise, the hospital’s activation and notification processes were executed smoothly, ensuring a coordinated response.
“By strengthening our relationships with local authorities and partners, we can work together more effectively and enhance our overall readiness to respond to emergencies,” said Captain Neil Steinhagen, commander of Submarine Squadron 15.
According to a press release from the Navy, emergency exercises are meticulously designed to simulate real conditions as closely as possible, offering a realistic environment to evaluate and enhance response strategies.
GMH played a critical role in the exercise, receiving and treating 33 simulated patients with minor and major injuries.
Hanson said the hospital demonstrated several strengths, including high engagement and adaptability, effective teamwork and leadership, patient-centered care and competent handling of the situation despite limited resources.
She said the hospital’s Emergency Room staff showed strong competencies in managing the influx of patients, successfully discharging 30 of the 33 simulated patients, while three were admitted for further treatment.
Hanson named GMH's key strengths, including the staff's engagement and adaptability, responding quickly to the changing dynamics of the exercise.
She noted that the hospital staff worked together effectively, with a focus on patient-centered care.
Despite the overall positive performance, the exercise also highlighted several areas where GMH needs improvement, such as the recurring inventory and purchase of emergency items.
Hanson also identified the need for more specialized training in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive scenarios.
The exercise identified issues with phone lines, computers and backup radios, requiring upgrades to ensure reliable communication.
Enhancements are needed in information-sharing protocols and IT procedures to facilitate better coordination.
Improvements in patient flow and staging processes are necessary to manage large numbers of casualties effectively.
A review and consolidation of department policies are required to streamline response efforts.
Hanson noted the need for physicians’ involvement during emergency exercises.
When asked if GMH would be able to respond adequately in a real crisis similar to the simulated scenario, Hanson replied, "Any mass casualty emergency situations are unique and fluid, meaning we cannot anticipate exactly how it would unfold nor how quickly the event may change."
The Navy said the transportation emergency response team is an integral part of the Navy’s Radiological Emergency Response Organization, which conducts exercises supporting the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.
"All Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program activities, both shipboard and ashore, have plans in place that define program responses to a wide range of emergency situations," the Navy said in a press release.
Rear Adm. Brent DeVore, commander of the Joint Region Marianas, said the exercise has provided an opportunity for the responders to rehearse and refine their comprehensive response to contingencies.
"Additionally, it cemented the positive relationship between the Navy and the government of Guam. By working together and practicing with our partners, we ensure the best possible readiness in the event of a transportation incident," he added.
Esther Aguigui, Guam homeland security advisor, underscored the crucial partnership between the Navy and GovGuam for effective emergency response.
"These exercises allow us to learn from each other, strengthen our collaboration
and maintain our readiness," she said.
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