First responders train for multi-casualty event

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma County Fire Officer's Association had a training for first responders where multiple students simulated being injured to practice how to properly handle the situation.

The first responders worked on securing the students and properly taking them to an ambulance.

Javier Hernandez, the Fire Chief from Somerton and Cocopah, shares how they're working on their new system.

"It was really good for us to practice on multiple patients, how to use our triage system, how to use the resources that we have within the surrounding communities, like San Luis, Somerton, MCAS, Wellton, YPG," Chief Hernandez says.

Daniel Espino, the division chief of EMS, first responder in attendance shares how this helps them work together with other local agencies.

"I think the great thing is we all have great relationships, so we understand that success on these larger scale events is highly dependent on our ability to work together," Espino explains.

Chief Hernandez agrees saying, "It's well to work together...you know we're a small community and we all depend on each other, so it's good to work with each other."

The Yuma Fire Department says they would like to do this every year to have better communication and teamwork with local agencies.