Salem, Mass. – Staff at North Shore Medical Center’s (NSMC) Salem and Union hospitals along with emergency responders from Lynn and Salem took part in an emergency preparedness drill today, to enhance coordination in the event of a public disaster.

The hypothetical scenario for both hospitals involved the collision of a dump truck carrying asbestos with a bus full of nursing students. More than three dozen ‘victims’ volunteered to take part in the drill. Police, fire and EMT units responded to this incident in real time, using the same procedures they would in an actual emergency. Portable decontamination units were set up at both hospitals, where patients were asked to shower to remove an possible chemicals, they were also assessed for any injuries.

“These drills are incredibly helpful for staff,” said Pamela Fox, R.N., NSMC Director of Infection Control. “It allows NSMC staff to work closely with local police and fire departments to break down any problems that might occur in an actual disaster situation.”