WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | Lee County Rescuers Train At Disaster Drill

Lee County Rescuers Train At Disaster Drill

August 9, 2007

Accidents can happen at any time, and all too often they can involve dangerous chemicals. That's why first responders were out in Lee County conducting a disaster drill.

In the simulation, a tractor trailer, Alabama Department of Transportation truck and small car all collide at Auburn University's National Center for Asphalt Technology. Smoke pouring from the scene indicates the threat.

"There were chemicals all in the state truck and also on the tractor trailer. We had numerous injuries within the accident," said Capt. Jaime Baca, Opelika Fire Department.

Five people were injured. One had to be flown to East Alabama Medical Center, and one was carried off by ambulance. Three others, including an infant, had to be decontaminated.

"It's essentially a wash-down of the patient and any type of chemical residue. We might have to strip them of their clothes and put them in other garments so they can go to the hospital to get further evaluated," Baca said.

Lee County EMA officials were back at the Emergency Operations Center, but had a bird's eye view of the action.

"We also had the Civil Air Patrol fly over the scene, take some static aerial shots and shoot them directly to the incident commander and to the EOC," said Faith Aguillard, Lee County EMA director.

All county responders working together means more resources to save lives. But as well-trained as they are, there's always a new lesson to be learned.

"Without the right information to the right people, somebody's going to be in trouble. So we are always striving, every agency, every organization, with communications," Aguillard said.

Officials say this was a very successful drill. There were a few glitches with radio chatter, but they'll take that experience and learn from it.