Overturned School Bus
An overturned school bus was the focus of an accident simulation Saturday along Highway 2 between Libby and Kalispell. Photo by Maggie Craig, LibbyMT.com
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School bus accident simulation
Training for emergency responders
by Maggie Craig
May 20, 2006
An overturned school bus was the focus of an accident simulation on Saturday along Highway 2 at the Lincoln/Flathead County line. The Marion Rural Fire Department organized the training session, in conjunction with the Fisher River Valley Fire Department, Smith Valley Fire Department, Cabinet View Fire Department, Marion Ambulance, Libby Ambulance, Kalispell City Ambulance, Alert Helicopter, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Montana Highway Patrol, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources, Harlow Bus Company, Montana Department of Transportation, South End Wrecking, Pioneer Auto, and PeeWee Porta-Potty.
The accident simulation provided the opportunity to practice procedures that will benefit the Emergency Services Departments from Libby and the Kalispell area. As the Highway 2 corridor continues to develop, the increased traffic, along with paved airstrips, the transport of hazardous materials, and the possibility of wildfires in subdivisions, are greatly increasing the possibility of a mass casualty incident. The training provided in this exercise was intended to provide advanced knowledge in controlling a large accident situation and providing emergency help to victims.
Thankfully, this was only a simulation, and it went well. The incident will be evaluated to improve the efficiency of the actions of the agencies involved. For more information about this training exercise, call Assistant Chief Jeff Hardgrove at 406-854-2277 or the Marion Fire Department at 406-854-2828.
Photo and story by Maggie Craig, LibbyMT.com
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