Freeman Health conducts mass casualty exercise to prepare for potential disasters

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) - Freeman Health officials conducted a mass casualty exercise on October 2, prompted by the recent devastation in North Carolina from Hurricane Helene. Skip Harper, Freeman's Health and Safety Officer, showcased the facility's 24-bed modular hospital, which can be operational within 90 minutes of inflation.

The exercise included a triage tent, capable of treating six patients at a time, and a mass casualty/communications trailer equipped with satellite communication and a 5G network. These resources can be rapidly deployed to disaster sites, such as tornado strikes or large accidents, to ensure swift medical response.

"Freeman is not a first-response agency," Harper explained, emphasizing the need to keep staff available for serious cases at their trauma center. During disasters, a coalition of healthcare facilities will staff the hospital and triage tent.

"The goal is to stabilize patients before transporting them to Freeman West Hospital or other facilities," Harper said, noting that the mass casualty trailer can treat up to 120 victims.

"We hope to never use it, but it’s all about supporting the community and ensuring we are prepared," he added.

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