On Saturday morning, Lawrence Memorial Hospital along with several other hospitals in the region held a disaster drill that included several local agencies.
At 8:30 am the Lawrence County Dispatch Center alerted AET Ambulance, Walnut Ridge Fire Department, Walnut Ridge Police, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Lawrence County Office of Emergency Services of a mock accident in front of Jelly Bean Junction on Free Street in Walnut Ridge. The accident was repeated across northeast Arkansas at several area hospitals simultaneously.
Medical units arrived and transported the patients to the emergency room where several other incidents took place in an effort to better train the staff in the event of an actual mass causality accident. Lawrence Memorial communicated with other hospitals in the area including St. Benards, NEA, AMMC and 5-Rivers as the drill was conducted. The mock exercise was repeated in several counties in the area and is part of ongoing training.
At the end of the drill, officials discussed any needed changes or improvements. Junior Briner with Lawrence Memorial Hospital extended his thanks to the Walnut Ridge Fire Department, Walnut Ridge Police Department, Office of Emergency Services, Lawrence County Dispatch and AET Ambulance for their participation in the drill.
For more information on Lawrence Memorial Hospital, visit www.lawrencehealth.net .
For more information on the Walnut Ridge Police Department, visit www.cityofwalnutridge.com .
For more information on AET Ambulance visit www.aetambulance.com .
For more information on the Walnut Ridge Fire Department, visit www.walnutridgefd.com .
