Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – The Star City will be the site of a training exercise on Saturday involving a number of agencies, including police, fire and ambulance.
“On Saturday, Sept. 20, residents and visitors in Presque Isle may see more fire trucks, police cruisers and ambulances than usual. A major exercise will be held in several venues in the city,” said Vern Ouellette, Aroostook County Emergency Management director. Activities will get under way early in the day and continue for a few hours.
“We will be using a terrorism scenario,” said Ouellette. “However, these agencies would also be working together in a mass casualty or major emergency of any kind, here or in another part of the state. We will be thoroughly testing our ability to work together smoothly.”
Residents and visitors may notice emergency vehicle activity and notices of ‘exercise in progress’ at several locations in and around the city.
“All of the agencies responding have good plans and extensive training. This scenario will put all that to the test. We expect all response units to do well,” said Ouellette, adding the exercise will also help point out areas that need improvement.
“That’s why we exercise, to test our plans and training in the field and get better at what we do,” Ouellette said.
This year’s exercise will be held at Northern Maine Community College.
“NMCC wanted to be a part of this event to first exercise their all-hazards plan and, secondly, show that they are proactive in preparing for the safety of their students,” said Ouellette.
Those scheduled to take part in the weekend exercise include: local responders; hospitals; local, county and state law enforcement; regional hazardous materials response teams; and the Northern Maine Community College.
The exercise will test communications systems and operating protocols used statewide and will provide valuable information on best practices to be shared and improvements that could be implemented in other parts of the state, explained Ouellette.
“The purpose of these exercises is to test the plans and training that have been put in place for such an event. This particular exercise will test not just the responders on the scene, but also the city’s Emergency Operations Center and The Aroostook Medical Center’s ability to handle multiple patients and decontamination capabilities,” said Ouellette.
Exercise coordination is being provided by Aroostook County Emergency Management and the Maine Emergency Management Agency.
Ouellette said funding and support is provided through the Maine Emergency Management Agency Exercise Program and the Department of Homeland Security.
