A Disaster Response Complex for training of emergency responders in the Northwest United States

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.0861

Keywords:

disaster response, first response, hazardous materials, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear

Abstract

The Disaster Response Complex (DRC) is a year-round training complex that specializes in training emergency responders in realistic indoor and outdoor environments. The outdoor site is comprised of 3 acres of secured customizable space for various exercises. The indoor site is designed to include an indoor facility with a full-size city street, complete with storefronts and motor vehicles that can be configured for emergency response training exercises, and a train or subway station where mockups of derailments can be simulated. The DRC includes large parking areas to accommodate multiple vehicles, allowing trainees the space needed to set up equipment and tactical operations. In addition, a campus office space is also available for an off-site operations center.

Author Biographies

Kathryn Hogarth, PhD

former student, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho

Jared Cantrell, MS

Research Engineer, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho

Bruce Savage, PhD

Professor & Chair, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho

Rajiv Khadka, PhD

Joint Appointee, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Idaho State University, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Mustafa Mashal, PhD

Professor, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho

References

US Army Nuclear and Countering WMD Agency: Countering WMD Journal. 2019. Available at https://www.nec.belvoir.army.mil/usanca/CWMDJournal/CWMD%20Journal%20Issue%2019.pdf. Accessed June 10, 2022.

Mclean I, Oughton D, Ellis S, et al.: Review of the civil defence emergency management response to the 22 February Christchurch earthquake. 2012. Available at https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/publications/Review-CDEM-Response-22-February-Christchurch-Earthquake.pdf. Accessed June 10, 2022.

Ford JK, Schmidt AM: Emergency response training: Strategies for enhancing real-world performance. J Hazard Mater. 2000; 75(2-3): 195-215. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3894(00)00180-1

Published

08/01/2024

How to Cite

Hogarth, K., J. Cantrell, B. Savage, R. Khadka, and M. Mashal. “A Disaster Response Complex for Training of Emergency Responders in the Northwest United States”. Journal of Emergency Management, vol. 21, no. 4, Aug. 2024, pp. 439-4, doi:10.5055/jem.0861.