A large-scale training exercise will bring first responders together in Houlton on Sunday, May 17.
The mass casualty simulation will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Houlton Fairgrounds, Houlton Ambulance Service officials said.
This is the first time in several years that Houlton has hosted such an event, staff said Monday. The event is solely a training exercise and there is no real emergency, but people will hear loud noises and should avoid the fairgrounds area.
“Residents and visitors should be aware that there will be a significant presence of emergency vehicles and personnel throughout the area,” ambulance officials said in a release. “The exercise will also include actors simulating injuries, the use of blank gunfire, and loud music to replicate realistic emergency conditions.”
Houlton paramedic Shelby Fenderson and emergency medical technician Isaac Brown will instruct and oversee the operation, with cooperation from the town of Houlton, Houlton Fair Association, Houlton police and fire departments and the Island Falls and Patten ambulance services.
Students from Houlton’s Region Two technical education fire and emergency medical services program will participate, along with other area schools and the Jobs for Maine Graduates group from Houlton Middle-High School.
During the exercise, personnel will test their communications, practice prioritizing and treating patients and transporting the injured to local care centers.
Regular training helps prepare first responders for actual emergencies.
Crews come together and practice realistic scenarios to analyze team responses and how they work together in stressful situations, according to the ambulance service.
Houlton Ambulance Service serves Houlton, Oakfield and Dyer Brook.
After Sunday’s simulation, the service will post photos and highlights of the session on its public Facebook page.
