Preparing for disaster

Crews run through a drill during a mass casualty exercise at the Center for Emergency Preparedness. (Photo: J.D. Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune)

A simulated turnpike disaster prompted emergency staff from across the region to practice their response to a massive car crash Wednesday.
Police, fire and emergency medical personnel collaborated at Owens Community College to test a disaster response plan that's been more than a year in the making.
Those who participated know how to respond to emergencies, but this exercise was more about pooling resources and practicing communication in a hectic environment.
For several hours Wednesday, responders shuttled high-school "victims" away from the scene to a triage area where patients could be prioritized based on the severity of their injuries.