Coyote Crisis Campaign disaster drill tests bioterrorism and dirty bomb response
The exercise was the first major US drill of its type between government, National Guard, healthcare, private industry and academic institutions. General Dynamics, Scottsdale Healthcare, the Arizona Air National Guard, the City of Scottsdale and the Biodesign Institute were among the key participants. Additional participants included representatives of National Guard units from seven states, Maricopa County, and other government agencies and military units. Observers from state government, the US Northern Command and the Pentagon attended the exercise. The scenario began with explosions in Nevada to knock out a large power grid in the Southwestern US and developed as follows: large explosions at several sites in Scottsdale; blackouts in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley; the Arizona Canal breached at multiple locations; bombing at a large regional mall; possible contamination of air and water; potential contaminated water flowing toward Tempe Town Lake and the Salt River; a dirty bomb radiation/chemical cloud moving over the city; 10,000 plus casualties and a State of Emergency declared. During one scenario, an explosive and bioterror threat was discovered within the sprawling, General Dynamics site. All employees were evacuated and Scottsdale police, SWAT, K9 and other early responder teams activated and deployed. Following the week's activities, the Coyote Crisis Campaign participants will hold several debriefings to best understand how the stakeholders can better collaborate and leverage external and internal assets to achieve a higher standard of patient care and offer the nation an exemplary alternative to current disaster response operations. Source: Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University
•Date: 4th May 2006• Region: N.America • Type: Article •Topic: Terrorism |
