THOMASVILLE- Archbold Living- Thomasville conducted a simulated drill on Tuesday morning, allowing staff, along with community agencies such as Thomas County Fire Rescue, Thomasville Fire Rescue, Thomasville Police Department, Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, E-911 and EMS to all respond to a Code Red.
According to Archbold Director of Emergency Management Chuck Winchester, the scenario involved a fully involved fire at Archbold’s long-term care facility, Archbold Living- Thomasville, with the building caving in. The scenario required all residents at the facility, along with staff to be evacuated to the grass lot.
During the scenario, students in Southern Regional Technical College’s nursing program assisted as realistic patients, complete with injuries that EMS and fire engineers must respond to and tag.
“We wanted it to be as realistic as possible,” Winchester said. “We are grateful we live in a community where people step up and help us make this drill a success.”
Following the assessment of all patients in the drill, the scenario called for the patients to be taken to Archbold’s additional care facilities located in Cairo, Pelham, and Camilla. Archbold’s transport team was at the ready, spotted with 4-6 vans to transport patients as part of the drill.
Winchester said the drill was even complete with calls for mutual aid to Albany, in the event they needed additional ambulances.
“I’m glad we have the opportunity to complete drills and exercises like this, so we are ready when there is a real disaster,” Winchester said.
As the Director of Emergency Management, Winchester was extremely pleased with the drill, sharing that there is room for improvements, but most of them are just small details.
He thanked everyone who made the drill a success, including the current residents and nurses at Archbold Living- Thomasville, who stayed calm and watched as the drill was completed promptly.