American Red Cross Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) volunteers and staff from the Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) and Greater Pennsylvania (GPA) regions joined the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Department of Human Services for the Keystone 6, National Mass Care Exercise on May 22 at Shippensburg University.
The exercise incorporated dozens of public and private agencies and organizations with the goal of improving disaster responses across the Commonwealth and beyond. While some Red Crossers filled leadership roles at the operation’s headquarters in Shippensburg, others practiced their Mass Care skills at nine simulated satellite shelters in their local communities, including one at the Norristown State Hospital.
SEPA was well represented at both locations, with 15 team members in Shippensburg and more than 30 in Norristown.
SEPA volunteer Debbie Tevlin, who served as the Assistant Director of Operations in Shippensburg, found the exercise to be a unique experience. “It not only physically placed many of our SEPA teammates in the setting of a disaster relief operation (DRO) headquarters for the first time, but into active leadership roles in that setting,” she said.
While some were new, others came into the experience a little more seasoned. This was the fourth National Mass Care Exercise for local volunteer Craig Crosby, who filled the role of HQ Government Operations Manager in Shippensburg. He found it to be well run and a good experience overall, and he’s already brainstorming ways that more Red Crossers can get practice communicating with external partners so they can be better prepared for a large-scale incident.
In Norristown, volunteer Ed Robold served as Shelter Manager, a role he has held in real life here in SEPA. “I thought the team worked really well together,” he said. “We had to troubleshoot technology issues, and we had a simulated medical emergency, which we handled correctly. Most importantly, all clients’ needs were met!”
Volunteer Dinae Norris, who filled the role of dormitory supervisor in Norristown, was struck by the need to balance efficiency and empathy. “We’re doing everything we’re supposed to do from A to Z, but we have to stop and realize that the person in front of us is likely having the worst day of their lives,” she shared.
Prior to the national exercise, SEPA and GPA volunteers and staff attended this year’s joint disaster training institute, titled “Spring into Action” on May 18-19 at Shippensburg University. Upper-level courses and workshops were offered in five tracks: Leadership, Logistics, Mass Care, Staff Services and External Relations. The tracks and courses were specially selected to help fill needed disaster roles in the two regions.
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PHOTO: Southeastern PA Red Crossers who participated in the Keystone 6, National Mass Care Exercise at Shippensburg University on May 22. Submitted photo
- Written by Alana Mauger
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