For Immediate Release

Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Newburyport Fire to Host Hospital Training Drill

NEWBURYPORT– Chief Christopher LeClaire is pleased to announce that the Newburyport Fire Department, along with Anna Jacques Hospital, will host a multi-patient hospital drill conducted by the Northern Essex Regional Emergency Planning Committee (REPC) next week.

The purpose of the drill is to evaluate the region’s ability to respond to a chemical incident with multiple patients in need of decontamination, transport and treatment. It is also designed to test the hospital’s ability to handle a surge of patients.

This drill will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. and is expected to last approximately three to four hours. A mock incident will take place at Cataldo/Atlantic Ambulance on Boston Way and a decontamination system will be set up outside of Anna Jacques Hospital to treat patients before they enter the hospital.

“This is an important training opportunity for emergency responders to be prepared for any worst case scenarios,” Chief LeClaire said. “We want to assure Newburyport residents and visitors that this is only a drill and that there is no real emergency if they see an increased first responder and medical presence in Newburyport next week.”

Traffic advisory signs alerting the public that the activity is part of a training exercise will be posted at the hospital and on Boston Way.

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