GALLERY: Dozens of first responders coordinate response to catastrophic scene
From Belfast Chief Jeff Chamberlain, photo by Genesee Valley Media
On May 2nd Belfast Fire and Rescue were on display at the Allegany County Fair Grounds for the Allegany County Stop DWI Mock accident presentation. With around 600 people present for most of the day, this event gave us a chance to show off some of our equipment before participating in the drill. The students were able to visit with our members early in the day with a booth set up which was a great recruitment opportunity. There were several displays and presentations taking place including, State Police K-9, The Amy Stock memorial trailer, Allegany County’s swift water rescue trailer, and several other activities. I know it was the intention of the group to have more departments involved this year and they plan to rotate the lead agency for extrication in years to come. I would encourage my fellow volunteers to take every possible action at being involved in this in the future.
This year Belfast took the lead in the Mock accident. Working with Angelica Fire as our mutual aid, we took center stage to operate on the 3-car set with 10 patients/ victims of varying injuries. LifeNet landed during the extrication to transport a critical patient (did not actually lift with your child on board), while Belfast EMS and MTS assessed and treated the other patients. Radio transmissions were communicated through the Allegany County mobile command trailer. New York State Police, Allegany County Sherriff’s, Wellsville PD and Bolivar Pd were on scene providing containment for frantic and intoxicated actors as they were evaluated and treated in the same manner as a real emergency before a field sobriety test took place leading to an arrest. County Judge Parker was on set to discuss the charges that would take place after a situation of this nature (1 count of vehicular homicide, 1 count of vehicular assault), including possible years in prison, bail, court ordered blood tests and life changing expenses to those being charged. The drill was followed by guest speaker Lindsey Tomiday with life experience in the manner after losing a brother.
We are very fortunate in our County and Community to have so many agencies, businesses and individuals come together to make this possible for our youth. A shout out to the student actors who participated, you did an amazing job, and I may have been unprepared for the chaos you would bring to the table making this so realistic, your makeup artists did amazing.
On the 2nd we were able to put our skills to use knowing all our patients were walking home. On behalf of all participating agencies, business sponsors, schools and individuals, we wish our students nothing but the best as they move forward with proms, graduations and other summer festivities, and hope this helps them make decisions that will not be life altering.
Genesse Valley Media did an amazing job capturing this event and we are very excited to see everything they can put together from it.
Allegany County Stop DWI, Monroe County Stop DWI, Allegany County 911, Allegany County Sherriff’s office, Allegany County Probation, Allegany County Fair Board, Allegany County Emergency Services, Allegany County Public Works, Allegany County Court Judge Parker, Village of Angelica Streets/Electric, Bolivar PD, Wellsville Pd, New York State Police, Belfast Fire, Belfast Ambulance, Angelica Fire, Rushford Fire, GV Jr Fire Program, LifeNet 77, Medical Transport Services, BOCES criminal justice, For Kids Auto Repair & Towing, Precision Auto Choice, Criss Market, Barn Yard BBQ
