Local emergency responders conduct drill

3/22/2018

With every appearance of a real disaster, Manning Fire & Rescue, Manning Regional Healthcare Center, Manning Ambulance, and the Templeton Fire Department participated in a disaster drill March 22.

The drill took place on the east edge of Manning at Aspinwall Coop’s anhydrous station and simulated an ag-related accident. In the scenario a vehicle went off the road striking anhydrous controls causing a release. The fumes affected track runners and caused another vehicle accident. Some of the Coop staff was affected as well.

The drill was orchestrated by Jerry Eslick, an instructor with the West Des Moines Fire Department who also operates Professional Rescue Innovations.

Manning Fire Chief Bob Barsby said Eslick monitored movements at the scene and provided instruction and pointers to firefighters.

The drill involved Region 5 Hazmat technicians from Ft. Dodge. The unit covers any incidents in Carroll County are represent the highest level of hazard material handlers. Also involved was Sarah Anderson, Emergency Management Coordinator who provides needed resources in the event of an actual incident.

Following the two-hour drill, firefighters returned to the station for a 90-minute debriefing.

“We felt it went pretty good. There are always things we can improve on, such as radio communications. It’s easy to overrun someone else when they are talking. Everyone is excited and wants to go right to the scene. We need to keep everyone accountable so we know where they are and we don’t have one of our own get hurt,” commented Chief Barsby. “We have the process down on what we need to do on a disaster, but it’s a matter of trying to keep everyone reigned in because everyone is excited and wants to get their job done.”

He added, “It’s good to go through these practice runs, so we’re all familiar with what needs to be done.”