An Army medic attends to mock victim Sgt. Ebonee Keeling of Area I’s headquarters company during a simulated chemical bomb explosion at Camp Red Cloud, South Korea, on Friday. (Erik Slavin / S&S)
An Army medic attends to mock victim Sgt. Ebonee Keeling of Area I’s headquarters company during a simulated chemical bomb explosion at Camp Red Cloud, South Korea, on Friday. (Erik Slavin / S&S)
Firefighters examine the scene of a simulated chemical bomb explosion at Camp Red Cloud on Friday. Officials heightened security base-wide for the exercise. (Erik Slavin / S&S)
Firefighters evacuate Spc. Bilitis Rangel of Area I’s headquarters company during a simulated chemical bomb explosion at Camp Red Cloud, South Korea, on Friday. (Erik Slavin / S&S)
CAMP RED CLOUD, South Korea — In the chaos of an explosion, emergency responders must decide quickly whom to treat first and when to do it.
Medics faced that dilemma during an exercise at Camp Red Cloud on Friday when a simulated dirty chemical bomb exploded, “maiming” several people.
The ambulances arrived first and were ready to provide care. However, they followed procedure and waited for the fire chief to declare the scene safe after firefighters in chemical suits took readings and examined the bomb.
“We don’t know what hit these people and we certainly don’t want the ambulance guys to get hurt,” said Dave Weis, Area I plans officer.
It’s a difficult line to draw, he said. During the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center attack, many emergency responders rushed into buildings that hadn’t been deemed safe. Consequently, many of them died. But many civilians were saved because the responders took that risk, Weis added.
South Korean firefighters working for the base first examined the victims, who were soldiers with fake wounds and blood, then dragged them a safe distance away.
For the first time, firefighters used yellow drag mats designed for ease of use, said John Cook, fire chief.
Soldiers then tagged and loaded the victims into ambulances. The victims were taken to the troop medical clinic, where the exercise continued.
“Times like this demonstrate whether a plan is really workable,” Weis said.
South Korean soldiers were invited to observe the exercise this year, he said.
The commissary and other shops opened later Friday because of the Force Protection Condition Delta upgrade during the exercise. Bags and vehicles were searched thoroughly at the camp gate. On-post traffic was limited to essential movement.
South Korean workers lacking Delta access were not allowed on post until later Friday afternoon.
