Simulated hurricane exercise tests VA and partner agencies’ readiness

Hurricane Janelle brought a powerful mix of wind and rain to residents of North Texas and to a flurry of activity at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. A gigantic C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, medical and emergency personnel and services from local, state and federal entities stood ready for the chaos that ensues during natural disasters like a hurricane.

If you don’t recall seeing any mention of Hurricane Janelle impacting Texas in your news feed, fear not… it was just part of Patriot South 24, an exercise to test and strengthen the emergency response capabilities of a diverse group of agencies making up the Dallas Federal Coordinating Center.

Ensure communication and resources when needed

Simulated natural disasters and exercises like Patriot South 24 ensure the real-time interoperability and coordination of needed medical and emergency action assets that ensure communication and adequate resources when urgently needed.

“We have to simulate the worst to be truly ready for the best when it matters,” said Dennis Pollard, VA regional emergency manager.

Pictured above, volunteers and staff from local area hospitals triage simulated patients before ambulance transfer to a local medical center like North Texas VA.

Patriot South 24 provided a rare opportunity for a broad coalition of partners like Baylor, Scott and White Dallas, Parkland Memorial Hospital, American Airlines, Air Force Reserve and the Department of Health and Human Services to work with VA in their critical response efforts.

Drills confirm response is as effective and humane as possible

The processing and movement of Veterans via the Patient Reception Team was spotlighted during Patriot South 24, managing hurricane evacuees with a precision that only comes from practice. The simulations are vital for the team to experience the complexity and urgency of a real-world scenario, gaining the opportunity to refine their skills and improve their response strategies.

“These drills are about more than readiness. They’re about ensuring that in the chaos of a crisis our response is as effective and humane as possible,” Pollard said.

As Patriot South 24 wrapped up, participants were not only aware of their individual roles but also how they fit into a larger interdependent system of disaster response for the area. When the unthinkable happens, the response must be timely, well-coordinated, and deeply attuned to the human and patient element at the heart of all emergencies. “Patriot South 24 has solidified our resolve and our ability to face any disaster with confidence and unity,” he added.