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Preparing for the worst

JEREMY ALM
JALM@KJCT8.COM    

GRAND JUNCTION (KJCT)- A simulated bus crash roared through the halls of Meeker High School. The purpose? To prepare Western Slope communities for the worst.

"What we're hoping is people are better prepared," says Dr. James Brown with Wright State University.

Screaming, cuts, and broken bones were all part of the chaos.    

"We know there's no national security if our health care system is insecure," says Dr. Brown.

Each participant played a role from the police chief to an emergency responder.

“It's very realistic. The whole intent of the mass casualty incident is to take the most season player and put in something that will put them off key,” says Leslie Holland, St. Mary’s Hospital Coordinator.

In a 30 minute drill, participants tried to restrain a life like pandemonium by sorting victims to avoid casualties.

"People will do better as a result. Patients will do better as a result," says Dr. Brown.

The hands on course is the basis to steer Western Slope communities in the right direction. At least when it comes to responding to disaster situations in our neighborhoods.

"We've put them through some pretty intense experiences and they're all a little closer for that. And that can only make the community better," says Dr. Brown.