Participants secure and treat a simulated shooting victim

SIERRAVILLE — March 23, 2024, at the Old Sierraville School Community Center, a Multiagency Active Shooter Rescue Task Force Training was led by instructor John Hughes of EMSCES911 (a medical training organization). During the morning session, participants learned and practiced triage, treat and move, and stop the bleed techniques utilizing interactive mannequins and “victims.” In the afternoon, these techniques were applied as teams in a simulated environment full of distractions and challenges.

A hallway is cleared for a simulated patient

Although Sierra County has not yet experienced an event such as those depicted in the practice scenarios, it is reassuring to know our dedicated first responders continue to prepare for the worst. The individual skills practiced may come in handy on a call in the future. Agencies represented included Eastern Plumas Health Care Ambulance, US Forest Service Tahoe Forest, Sierra County Fire Protection District 1, Sierra Valley Fire, Loyalton Fire, Downieville Fire, Sierra City Fire, Western Sierra Medical Clinic, California Highway Patrol, Sierra County Sheriff’s Office and Probation Office, and the Office of Emergency Services.

The class was sponsored through the Hospital Preparedness Program grant managed by Sierra County Public Health.