MADAWASKA, Maine — Six different agencies in the Madawaska area are planning a five-hour training exercise Wednesday.
Slated from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Feb. 11, the event will simulate a complex, remote rescue scenario, designed to prepare public safety agencies for similar winter emergencies. The scenario involves a simulated crash between a snowmobile and snow groomer about one mile off-road. Responders will practice remote patient access, and coordinating a LifeFlight assist.
The training will help the town bridge the gap between a 911 call and advanced medical care, said event coordinator Jason Boucher.
“Whether it’s coordinating a landing zone for LifeFlight or managing a complex extrication in deep snow, we want the community to know we are ready to reach them wherever they are,” he said.
Crews from Madawaska’s fire, ambulance and police departments, along with Northern Maine Medical Center of Fort Kent, LifeFlight of Maine and the Madawaska Snowmobile Club will participate. The exercise will take place near the trail systems next to the Madawaska Recreation Department and will involve a high number of emergency vehicles, flashing lights and first responders in this area.
Boucher, who serves on the town’s fire and ambulance departments and is also chairperson of the town selectboard, is in charge of the event. Organizers want to inform the public about the event in case anyone is alarmed by the high activity, he said.
Spectators are not welcome at the event as emergency personnel will be working in tight spaces and they want to ensure everyone’s safety.
Besides practicing a rescue situation, the drills will give the agencies a chance to test their equipment and communications strategies on the field before actual lives are on the line, Boucher said. Drills like this make sure that the agencies can work together and execute a well-rehearsed plan instead of just reacting.
And with the trails being active throughout Madawaska and Aroostook County, Boucher said this will help ensure the safety of snowmobilers. The trails will be marked with “Training in Progress” signs during the exercise, and snowmobilers are asked to use extreme caution if traveling in this area during the exercise.
“Madawaska has a vibrant snowmobiling community,” he said, “and we want to make sure we are just as prepared as they are.”
