FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — More than 100 first responders and volunteer role-players participated in a large-scale emergency training exercise Thursday at the Flagler County Fairgrounds.
The planned exercise, called “Cornered and Critical,” simulated an active assailant and mass casualty emergency. It was designed to test how law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency medical services, emergency management and hospital personnel would coordinate during a complex incident.
Participating agencies included Flagler County Fire Rescue, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Coast Fire Department, the Flagler County Emergency Communications Center, Bunnell Police Department, Flagler Beach police and fire departments, AdventHealth and Flagler Volunteer Services.
Responders practiced rapid incident control, emergency communications, resource management, scene security, patient triage and transportation. Local hospitals also participated to test medical surge procedures.
“The goal of the active assailant and mass casualty exercise was to ensure that emergency personnel enhance preparedness by validating and improving the existing capabilities,” Emergency Management Manager Ryan Simpson said.
The fairgrounds were temporarily closed to the public during the morning and midday hours to accommodate the training.
Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord said exercises involving multiple agencies can improve coordination during real emergencies.
“When all our public safety partners train together, it strengthens how we respond when our residents need us most,” Lord said.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said the exercise helped participating agencies better understand their individual responsibilities during a fast-moving emergency.
“Law enforcement, fire rescue, EMS and our hospital partners all have critical roles, and training together ensures we are ready to meet any threat to our community,” Staly said.
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