VCU hosting large-scale emergency response exercise at the Siegel Center this Wednesday, Sept. 30

By Jake Burns
VCU Police

Virginia Commonwealth University will hold a full-scale emergency response exercise alongside state and regional partners at the Stuart C. Siegel Center this Wednesday, Sept. 30. Activity related to the exercise is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The exercise will involve more than a dozen emergency response agencies, local health systems and emergency managers from across the state (complete list below). More than 250 emergency responders, role players and exercise leaders will take part.

This exercise will be the largest in scale ever conducted by VCU - it took more than eight months of planning by VCU emergency managers.

What the community can expect

The purpose of this VCU-sponsored multijurisdictional, full-scale exercise is to demonstrate the ability of local, regional, private, nongovernmental and state partners to respond to a mass casualty incident on VCU's campus in accordance with local, regional and state plans and procedures. The exercise will simulate an emergency situation to test first responders' coordination and the ability of local hospitals to receive patients in a simulated environment.

Community members will notice a large emergency presence in and around the Siegel Center throughout the day. Public messaging and signage will be posted in advance of the exercise.

Street closures and traffic impacts

Starting at 6 a.m. Sept. 30, the 1300 and 1200 blocks of West Marshall Street and the 600 block of North Harrison Street will be closed to accommodate emergency vehicle parking related to the exercise.

Community members are encouraged to use caution when traveling through the area.

Details for media members

Media members are encouraged to attend. Crews will be able to gather visuals of the exercise, which will include actors simulating injuries, and speak to public safety officials from VCU and other participating agencies.

Crews should report by no later than 8:30 a.m. to check in. The exercise is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., and the media availability is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Media parking is available.

Media interested in covering this exercise should RSVP to the media contact above by 5 p.m. Sept. 29.

Participating agencies and organizations

The following organizations are confirmed to participate in the exercise:

• Virginia Commonwealth University
• VCU Health
• HCA
• Bon Secours
• Virginia Department of Emergency Management
• Richmond Office of Emergency Management
• Richmond Police
• Richmond Fire
• Richmond Ambulance Authority
• Richmond Department of Emergency Communications
• Henrico Fire
• Chesterfield Fire
• Life Comm
• Central Virginia Healthcare Coalition
• Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association
• All-One Crisis Management

The University of Virginia, James Madison University, Christopher Newport University, Longwood University, Liberty University, the University of Richmond, Chesterfield Emergency Management and Goochland Fire and Rescue are assisting in the execution of the exercise.

Exercise leadership would like to thank Mercy Chefs, which is providing lunch for participants.