Story, photos by Christopher Withrow
Police Communications Technician

(May 18, 2009) UC Denver’s emergency team responded in force as ‘Vigilant Front Range’ kicked off with a bang, literally. Responding to a reported explosion at the Buckley Air National Guard Base, firefighters, police and paramedics found smoke billowing from a building and more than 100 volunteers made up to look like victims.  Emergency responders transported 'victims' via military helicopters to various locations including the parade grounds at the Anschutz Medical Campus for ground transport to the University of Colorado Hospital. Another helicopter landed nearby at The Children's Hospital.

The exercise, designed to test the regions ability to handle an attack that causes mass civilian casualties, shifted in to high gear Friday, May 15. In addition to UC Denver health providers, emergency response teams and communications professionals, more than 500 military and civilian officials from 40 different agencies participated. Fire and EMS crews practiced triage, treating and transporting the patients, while the FBI, the Joint Terrorism Taskforce and local police conducted the investigation.

After the exercise debriefings were held to determine what went right and what can be improved.

Photo: Paramedic Scott Rodriguez prepares patients to be transported by ambulance.