OPERATION Wild Coyote

TCM's Program Design and Research Manager, Arielle Mattes was happy to observe OPERATION WILD COYOTE by the City of Albuquerque's Office of Emergency Management. The operation was a mass-casualty response training at Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque, NM.

The scenario:

DJ "Wild Coyote" is performing to a sold out show when an explosion injures multiple in the crowd. Albuquerque's Emergency Management Services are quickly deployed to attend to the wounded and evacuate the rest of the crowd.

In this live-training scenario, "players" simulate their injuries as the Fire Department and EMT's apply tourniquets and first aid while the Sherriff's department and police respond to the crime scene. Evaluations included the response methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) of the Fire Department, Sherriff's Department, Public Health services, and Albuquerque Police Department. The group was able to identify existing gaps in emergency management first response to a simulated exercise which is critical to ensure public safety."

TCM's take-aways are:

1. The importance of strategic communications in crisis response

2. The need for comprehensive training in order to stay prepared for mass-casualty events

3. The importance of sound and frequently revisited Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) and Incident Response Plans (IRPS)

4. The need for frequent interagency communication and collaboration prior to and during such events

TCM looks forward to incorporating these lessons into our client projects. We congratulate the City of Albuquerque's successful operation, and fully support the full-spectrum approach to responding to and mitigating these events.