Members of the Georgia State Defense Force learn how to use the decontamination stations during a mock terror attack for Operation Thunderbolt. (Photo by Pvt Leonard Goodelman)

SDF, local responders train togethr in mass casualty exercise

What do you do when you have a hostage situation at a local religious institution, then add in improvised explosive devices that have been placed around the building and a possibility of a chemical release?

 This was the scenario facing the Georgia State Defense Force's Medical Company, and local first responders during a training exercise February 19.

“Our mission is to decontaminate the casualties,” said 1^st Lt. Bob Surrusco, commander of the GSDF’s 1^st Medical Company. “The Metro Medical Strike Team and local first responders take care of the rest.”

 The Metro Medical Strike Team (MMST) is a medical response team used to react to a catastrophic event that could cause mass casualties, along with local law enforcement officials. SWAT teams and EMS work with the GSDF to prepare for disasters and mild terror attacks, like this one.

 The role of the 1^st Medical Company was to decontaminate the casualties after they were rescued by the MMST. After decontamination, victims were then triaged and sent to local hospitals for treatment, said Surrusco.

“We work very closely with the MMST,” said Surrusco. “We also plan to add up to five more medical companies through out the state to assist with these types of disasters.

“We are able to help any where in the state,” said Surrusco. By contrast, local first responders can only help others responder with in a certain area.

This exercise was one of the four tactical exercised the GSDF will conduct this year with law enforcement officials and local first responders to simulate what would happen when other agencies are overwhelmed by a disaster.

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