Regional EMS Planning Pays Off in Kansas
GREENSBURG, KAN. -- Before the first tree snapped like a toothpick here Friday night, a task force of EMS commanders was on alert.
Just 30 minutes after the regional team was notified to stand by, Mike Napolitano got the call that the community of Greensburg had taken a direct, severe tornado hit.
Napolitano, the MERG (Major Emergency Response Group) duty officer that night, made the appropriate notifications that activated the team.
MERG was formed by 13 regional EMS directors after a powerful tornado hit Kansas several years ago. The volunteer group that has its own SOPs found out Friday night their planning and training paid off.
With word that another tornado was headed toward his own town -- Great Bend -- Napolitano stayed put. As the Fire and EMS chief, he was making sure his crews were ready.
"I had no choice but to hand over the ball. There was another tornado on the way," he said. "But, MERG is set up so any of us can do it."
MERG Team Leader Terry David first heard that 60 percent of the town had been wiped out. "I knew it was much worse as I approached Greensburg. When I got there, it was incredible. There was little left."
David said nurses were treating injured people at the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) building, one of a few still standing. He was handed a radio, and assumed EMS command.
A short time later, he found a triage area had been set up in a grocery store parking lot. Personnel with about 20 ambulances from nearby jurisdictions had responded to help.
"Someone came over and dropped off a bag and an oxygen bottle. They said it was the only thing left of Kiowa EMS." The local service lost two of its three ambulances, and its equipment.
David said residents who weren't hurt were put on buses and taken to a community center about 12 miles away.
The EMS crews also evacuated the community hospital, transporting 15-20 patients to nearby facilities.
Despite reports to the contrary, David said it's not that unusual for tornadoes to strike at night. "You just don't see this amount of destruction. This was one powerful twister."
The 200 mph winds wiped out telephone and cell service, and plunged the community into darkness. By Saturday afternoon, crews were making good headway restoring phones.
MERG is helping to coordinate EMS in Greensburg as residents sift through what's left of their shattered lives. Right now, there are four ambulance crews on duty during the day, and two at night.
MERG officials also are still handling EMS command, working 12-hour shifts. "I know we'll be there through next Friday."
COMMUNICATIONS
While many jurisdictions often complain about interoperability during a major disaster, Kansas appears to be ahead of the game.
Within a brief time after Greensburg was hit, state officials were on the way with a COW (communications on wheels). The semi is equipped with a 100-foot 800 mgh tower. It also carries 5,800 radios that are handed out to officials on the scene.
Communications technicians accompany the rig to provide support.
Also, EMS and public safety repeaters are located on KDOT towers throughout the state.
MERG
Several Kansas EMS directors saw the need for a specialized team after a portion of the state was hit by a powerful tornado. Napolitano said coordination of resources is vital during an incident, and planning is an important function.
"Each of us takes turn being the duty officer, which means you get the call and start things going. We're volunteers, and we've got things covered 24/7," he said.
When the directors decided to move forward with their idea, they conducted a needs assessment and earmarked funds. They surveyed EMS companies to determine if they were familiar with incident command, if they used triage tags and if so, how often; and whether they would be willing to respond or commit resources in the event of a major incident.
They also learned how many ambulances, squads and trained personnel were available as well as any specialized equipment.
MERG members -- the majority of whom are paramedics -- wrote their own SOPs. They also wear uniforms that set them aside from other responders.
All have attended multiple classes in incident command and NIMS.
"One thing we've told people from the beginning is that we're not going in to take over. We'll do what they want. If that's assume medical command, OK. If you want us to make coffee, we can do that too. We never, ever want to take over if they don't want us to," David said, adding that MERG members also have taken their turn on ambulances as well.
MERG was also activated a few years ago after an ice storm. After an incident, the team holds a critique. Personal relationships take a back seat during the sessions, David said.
Napolitano said he believes organizations understand MERG's role. "We've gone to many conferences and seminars over the years to explain what we do. They know everyone has to be on the same page."
