Community Emergency Response Drill Enhances Preparedness in Staples

On July 17, 2025, a comprehensive mass casualty incident simulation took place just south of Staples, aimed at enhancing the readiness of local emergency services. This coordinated training involved the Lakewood Health System's EMS team, the Staples Fire Department, and the Staples Police Department. The scenario depicted a collision between two vehicles at the intersection of Highway 210 and County Road 7, with numerous volunteers portraying injured victims with varying degrees of harm. The exercise challenged first responders to perform rapid assessment, triage, and emergency management amid a chaotic environment. Such drills are essential for preparing emergency personnel to respond efficiently during actual crises. They facilitate practice in interdepartmental communication, strategic coordination, and quick decision-making, which are crucial during real emergencies. This training is particularly beneficial for new team members gaining practical experience in large-scale incident response. The exercise underscored the importance of collaboration among fire, police, and medical teams in ensuring safety, delivering medical aid, and managing operational logistics. Lakewood Heal...