Preparing Before Disaster Strikes: McGrath Community Strengthens Emergency Response Through Mass Casualty Drill
When a simulated plane crash was reported near the runway in McGrath Aug. 17, clinic employees, emergency responders, youth volunteers, and community members immediately sprang into action. The crash was not real. The lessons learned were.
As part of an emergency preparedness initiative led by McGrath Regional Health Center, 26 participants took part in a mass casualty incident exercise designed to strengthen coordination, communication, and response capabilities before a real disaster occurs. The training was facilitated by emergency preparedness specialists Samantha Cunningham and Kendra Lee, with support from community partners and volunteers.
The scenario simulated a plane crash at the end of the runway involving seven victims with a variety of injuries. To create a realistic response environment, organizers used detailed moulage techniques including simulated broken bones, blood, bruising, lacerations, and debris embedded in wounds. Vehicles were positioned to represent the crashed aircraft, with some victims found inside the wreckage and others nearby.
While the drill focused on emergency response procedures, many participants identified teamwork as one of the most valuable takeaways.
“What surprised me most was how well the scenario actually went,” said Wes Haney, a physician assistant with McGrath Regional Health Center. “The healthcare response felt timely and effective across the board. People stayed in their roles, supported one another, and stayed focused on being team players. That kind of coordination under simulated pressure was a genuine positive surprise.”
The exercise highlighted the strong partnership between healthcare providers, community EMS volunteers, youth participants, and first responders. Quick notification procedures, efficient triage, and coordinated care demonstrated how various groups can work together during a high-stress situation.
During the exercise, SCF Community Health Aide Cheyenne Gibson said the experience reinforced trust among team members.
“It helped me see how I can rely on my co-workers and community members in real time,” Gibson said.
Similarly, Family Nurse Practitioner Patty Bilbrey noted the importance of communication and defined roles when responding to emergencies.
“I learned that working together under pressure requires clear communication, teamwork, and knowing your role,” Bilbrey said. “During the mass casualty incident drill, it was important to stay calm, listen to others, and communicate information quickly and accurately. I also learned that everyone has an important role, and working together helps ensure that victims are prioritized and cared for as efficiently as possible.”
Following the exercise, participants gathered for a hot wash debrief. The discussion provided an opportunity to celebrate successes, identify opportunities for improvement, and reflect on lessons learned. Topics included mass casualty triage strategies, victim tracking, equipment utilization, communication processes, and the unique challenges of responding to emergencies in rural Alaska. The drill also provided an opportunity to evaluate a drafted Mass Casualty Field Manual and test preparedness resources. Lessons learned will help inform future training efforts and improvements to emergency response planning.
For communities like McGrath, where air transportation is essential and emergency resources may be hours away, practicing for large-scale emergencies is critical, particularly given the community’s response to numerous plane crashes over the past 20 years.
“Practice gives teams a chance to experience how a response can unfold in a controlled setting, where the stakes are not life and death,” said Haney. “Mistakes can be made, seen, and corrected without real harm. That experience makes people faster, clearer, and more decisive if a real event ever happens.”
In rural Alaska, preparedness depends on more than equipment and protocols. It depends on relationships, communication, and community members who are willing to step forward when needed. This exercise demonstrated the value of bringing together healthcare providers, first responders, volunteers, and youth to build those connections before an emergency occurs.
