Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center will be conducting a mass decontamination drill in collaboration with area emergency responders on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The drill will begin at 10 a.m. and is expected to end within a few hours.
The exercise will simulate, as much as possible, a Highway 67 chemical spill response from local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services personnel and the hospital.
PBRMC recognizes the critical role it plays in the event of a community disaster and works to protect its provider team and reinforce their training. In the event of a chemical spill, actions are taken to maintain a safe environment for healthcare staff while care for patients is being delivered. The hospital regularly practices its emergency and crisis response plans by conducting drills designed to exercise those procedures.
“Our commitment to serving our community and advancing health and recovery remains at the forefront of our continuous efforts in education, collaboration, and preparedness for critical scenarios,” said CEO Clyde Wood. “Through the concerted endeavors of our dedicated staff, alongside our local emergency management agencies, we engage daily in managing incidents of all levels. This collective experience enables us to evaluate our mechanisms and enhance our communication, ensuring a cohesive team response to foster a culture of safety.”
Personnel from Poplar Bluff’s police and fire departments, Butler County Emergency Management, Butler County Sheriff’s Department, John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, Three Rivers Community College and Missouri State Highway Patrol will participate.
The vital part of conducting this type of drill is being “prepared for that type of situation,” said PBRMC’s Director of Plant Ops, Safety & Security, Rick Sanders.
Patient care at PBRMC will continue without interruption and will not be impacted by the drill.