The South Carolina State Guard (State Defense Force) recently conducted the most expansive mass casualty training exercise in the state’s history. Partnering closely with the South Carolina National Guard as well as local and state agencies, the drill was designed to simulate a wide range of emergency scenarios. During the exercise, State Guard soldiers set up emergency shelters and mobile hospitals, honing their skills for real-world emergencies. They also practiced Aerial Port of Embarkation (APOE) and Aerial Port of Disembarkation (APOD) procedures, which involve the careful task of loading and extracting injured civilians from Black Hawk helicopters.
In addition to these operations, the soldiers also carried out Search & Rescue missions. These missions imitated scenarios where civilians would need to be located and rescued from woodland areas, followed by immediate emergency medical treatment. Such drills are crucial in preparing the soldiers for situations where rapid response and medical attention could mean the difference between life and death. After their rigorous training, the soldiers were treated to a memorable experience: a scenic ride aboard an Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter, allowing them to appreciate some breathtaking views of South Carolina. For those interested in seeing the operation firsthand, a video of the exercise is available.
SC State Guard hosts the state’s largest mass casualty training drill
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) – The state’s largest mass casualty drill “Operation Eagle Angel” is underway.
The South Carolina State Guard, the United States Air Force and other emergency first responder and volunteer agencies are coming together for the first time on this large of a scale for training exercises to prepare for any sort of disaster, like a hurricane or a tornado.
Between 500-600 people will be sleeping, eating and training at the North Auxiliary Airfield in Orangeburg County for the next four days to bring further safety and security to the people of South Carolina.
The South Carolina State Guard says their mission is to respond to disasters when the Governor and military call for their help. The officers say they’ve been planning for this for about a year.
On Thursday, they are setting up different training exercises that they’ll conduct Friday through Sunday. An example of this could be them responding to a hurricane. However, the communication system goes down and they have to find an alternative source.
These officers will be working closely on their communication, medical training and overall operations.
Michael Langston, deputy commander of the S.C. State Guard, says this weekend is not a pass or fail exercise, but it’s a way to evaluate what went right and how they can fix what went wrong in the future.
“Alongside of us are all these other agencies that have not done this type of exercise together in the state of South Carolina,” Langston said. “So, we’re bringing all the assets together of the state and we’re flexing them to a degree and learning how to work with each other.”
Sources: South Carolina State Guard – Live 5 News
