Drill

tests

response

plan

By RACHEL WEDDIG

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- A simulated science lab explosion Tuesday in the New Ulm High School physics lab left 13 to 14 students with minor and severe injuries, who were transported by ambulance to the emergency unit of the New Ulm Medical Center.

Drill participants included the New Ulm Police Department, New Ulm Medical Center, District 88 and the Region Nine Emergency Medical System. It tested the response plan of each of the participants. Because of regulatory requirements, the New Ulm Medical Center must hold an influx patient drill each year.

"This was a drill designed to test the emergency response of all the different groups involved," said Julie Halvorson, a NUMC nurse.

"The school and hospital have emergency plans implemented that we tested today. We try to do realistic things," Halvorson said.

The purpose of an influx patient drill is to prepare the emergency medical staff for treating a large number of victims in a short period of time.

After the explosion which resulted in a gas leak, the students lay scattered on tables and floors with fake blood smeared on their faces and bodies. Students had a white slip of paper attached to them informing the EMTs of their medical status.

After the fire alarm rang at 12:35 p.m. at NUHS and the building was evacuated, sirens sounded, and EMTs bolted into the classroom hearing moans of "I'm melting," and "I'm hurt."

The EMTs raced in wearing orange vests and purple gloves. They walked around the classroom obtaining the vital statistics from each student asking them questions such as, "what is your name?" and checking their pulse.

From the questioning, the EMTs established which students were on a high priority and needed oxygen immediately.

To keep the simulation as real as possible, a police officer was questioning the students responsible for the explosion inside the physics lab.

Seniors Kyle Schwartz and John Witt acted as the suspects. They explained to the officer that they stole chemicals from a back room closet and gave them to a student to mix in with a lab assignment. Schwartz and Witt said they then went to the bathroom and when they got back the explosion had already sent other students flying to the floors.

Even though it was only a simulation, challenges were involved.

"It's hard doing a drill due to the fact that we're always taking care of real patients," Halvorson said.

After the EMTs assessed the situation, the students were transported by ambulance to the emergency room.

After students reached the emergency room, they received a identification bracelet and were brought to different examining rooms.

Junior Josh Randall, was being treated for a tube stuck in his cheek.

"I thought the drill was very interesting and very helpful because if there was ever a real explosion in the New Ulm High School, the EMTs would know what to do," Randall said.

The New Ulm Medical Center's emergency management committee began coordinating the drill last spring. It met after the drill to evaluate the operation.

"Overall, the drill went well," Halvorson said. "Each department tested their plan and will fill out a critique form. There are always things that can be improved."

In the case of a real gas explosion at the high school, the fire department would be the only personnel allowed in the classroom until the room is searched and deemed safe to enter. Firefighters weren't a part of Tuesday's drill because they are volunteers and need to be "on call" in case there had been a real fire elsewhere, according to Halvorson.

District and student cooperation were essential in performing the drill.

"The students were really good and were all cooperative and willing to participate," Halvorson said. "Without the victims it would be hard to simulate a drill. We were fortunate the students could get out of school to participate."