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Panjshir government demonstrates readiness in disaster preparedness
In a depicted scene, the earth shook, buildings collapsed and a cluster of victims were either trapped under wreckage or incoherently wailing for help as emergency responders sprang into action.
Panjshir government demonstrates readiness in disaster preparedness
Written by U. S. Air Force Capt. John T. Stamm Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs
PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – In a depicted scene, the earth shook, buildings collapsed and a cluster of victims were either trapped under wreckage or incoherently wailing for help as emergency responders sprang into action.
The Panjshir Afghan National Police in conjunction with the Panjshir Provincial Operations Command Center and provincial government agencies demonstrated their ability to respond to a natural disaster in a combined exercise in Anaba district, Jan. 26.
Two Afghan National Police officers in the Panjshir valley perform first aid on Daniel Fredrickson, a Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team member. Emergency personnel from the valley responded to a simulated earthquake during an emergency readiness exercise in the Anaba district, Jan. 26.
The earthquake exercise scenario involved the Panjshir OCC-P, the Anaba District ANP, the Panjshir Provincial ANP Head Quarter, the Anaba district governor’s office, the directorate of public works, disaster management and public health.
“We set up the exercise to simulate the destruction of the Anaba Emergency Hospital, which is the only major medical facility in the valley,” said U.S. Army Maj. Ian H. Murray, Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team executive officer. “We did that to remove the easy solution for dealing with mass casualties.”
Members of the Panjshir PRT spent the morning setting up the disaster site by strategically placing victims at various locations. The PRT medical staff created fake wounds, fake amputated limbs and other injuries on participants. When the scene was set, the OCC-P received a phone call from the exercise controllers.
During an earthquake exercise, Afghan National Police officers in the Panjshir valley prepare to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on an unresponsive victim portrayed by U.S. Army Spc. Orson Whitaker, a Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team member. Emergency personnel from the valley participated in the emergency readiness exercise in the Anaba district, Jan. 26.
Within five minutes of the call, several ANP trucks full of personnel arrived. Immediately, they established a security perimeter and began assessing the situation. The ANP on-scene commander recalled several officers from the perimeter who began treating and evacuating the wounded, including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques on an unresponsive casualty.
Two ANP officers treating a victim with an amputated arm impressed exercise controllers by making a tourniquet out of a neck scarf and a stick to stop the flow of fake blood.
“That was impressive,” said Staff Sgt. Abraham Jara, Panjshir PRT medic. “They are thinking problems through and solving them by using what’s available.”
During a simulated earthquake exericse, an Afghan National Police officer in the Panjshir valley applies a tourniquet on Mr. Jim Hoffman, Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team member. Emergency personnel from the valley participated in the emergency readiness exercise in the Anaba district, Jan. 26.
Organizers expected the exercise to last two hours, but within 25 minutes of initial response the scene was under control. Officers at the OCC-P simulated calls to other provinces for assistance, simulated the broadcast of emergency information over the local radio station, and even dispatched rescuers and dump trucks from the Department of Public Works.
“We threw them a bit of a curve-ball,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dustan Johnson, Panjshir PRT police mentor team leader. “So far, the ANP have only been trained to react to security situations. We wanted see how they would apply what they have learned and adapt to a different situation. They’ve done remarkably well.”
Dr. Kareem, Panjshir Director of Public Health participated in the exercise as an observer to help assess the first aid skills of the ANP. In his assessment, the officers made some mistakes, but they will learn from those mistakes to prepare them in the event of a real life emergency.
“This is their first time,” said Kareem. “But, they are learning. We need more programs like this so they will be able to handle any emergency if it happens for real.”
Following the exercise, organizers and provincial line directors hailed the event as a success and provided feedback on some areas of improvement to the participants. The provincial government and Coalition forces are planning to hold similar exercises in other areas of Panjshir in the future.
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