First responder training in rural Minnesota prepares crews for major disaster event
Minnesota first responders got a rare opportunity this week to work with colleagues around the state and simulate a real-life disaster.
First responders headed up north to the Brainerd area to participate in a training that simulated a tornado touchdown.
"Our team leaders this morning developed what route they were going to take. They had to communicate that to the team members. There's various checkpoints and benchmarks throughout the whole thing they actually have to do," said Tyler Lupkes, Minnesota EMS Task Force Commander
Trainees volunteered to be on the metro's EMS task force, a unit that's available to deploy to any disaster or major event.
They've responded to hurricanes, the Interstate 35W bridge collapse, as well as the Super Bowl and Republican National Convention.
This week's training exercise is a rare — and important — opportunity to coordinate with first responders outside the metro.
"Being able to have the metro folks come up here and experience and say, 'We've done this in your area with your resources, we can do it.' It really gives us a sense of safety and security knowing this can work," said Tyler Ostman with Cuyuna Regional Medical Center.
Members of the task force will sleep in tents, just like in an actual mission.
"One of my favorite parts about this entire operation is that we weren't told anything. This is as close to a live opportunity and what you get to see in the reaction from our team is genuine. You are getting knowledge as things pop up," said Richard Noren, M Health Fairview Operations Supervisor. He drives the strike team bus, which is capable of handling two dozen patients.
"When that happens, this team is going to come together, they're going to be there to handle whatever the scenario is," said XXXX
Rural areas often have more limited emergency resources. A big part of how metro crews can help is by covering shifts and regular 911 responses.
