May 15, 2003
Harborview and UWMC join response to terrorism drill
Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, and several other Puget Sound area hospitals were among the participants this week in a national counter-terrorism drill.
The drill began May 12 when homeland security officials simulated a dirty-bomb explosion south of downtown Seattle. The drill continued May 13 as Chicago hospitals saw virtual patients portraying symptoms related to a fictitious release of pneumonic plague.
The drill, named Top Off 2, for top officials, was a chance for federal, state, and local officials to practice responding to multiple terrorist attacks. The drill also involved the American Red Cross and the Canadian government.
In Seattle’s scenario, 150 actors played injured patients, and 92 were seen at area hospitals. Emergency responders searched for casualties in the rubble. About 200 firefighters and 60 police officers participated in the drill. Those first at the scene were decontaminated for mock radiation exposure.
Among the disaster responses activated at Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center were command center operations; internal and interagency communications; triage, radiation detection and decontamination; provider, patient and visitor safety; psychological care; family counseling; comfort care for dying victims; police security; nursing unit discharges; emergency department care; surgical care; minor injury care; patient transportation; discharge coordination; media relations; medical records; translator services; supply delivery; housekeeping; maintaining essential services; vehicular traffic flow; facility lockdown; credentialing, and many other support efforts.
Observers evaluated the drill. Each afternoon, officials reviewed the day’s activities. Next month, a two-day conference is planned to review lessons learned. A government report will be submitted in September.
