3 September 2005
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Wake County officials were told to prepare for medical patients and others evacuated from the affected areas by C-130s. The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) was activated, and emergency workers from all over Wake County, and some from as far away as Rockingham, converged on the National Guard Armory at the RDU Airport to assist. Within a short period of time dozens of ambulances lined the staging area; a triage facility was set up with cots and medical supplies; the Raleigh FD Hazmat team had set up decontamination facilities; and CAT buses, more ambulances, and other emergency workers were at the ready in the receiving area just off the runway. Several Apex firefighters were amongst those who assisted with the set-up.
But the C-130s, which were supposed to start arriving at 9am, never materialized. By mid-afternoon the command center had gotten word that flights would in fact not be coming to RDU, and they started de-mobilizing units.
Personnel were notified to return late that night when officials learned that at least one C-130 had been assigned to RDU and was scheduled to arrive in the wee hours of Sunday morning. But several hours later we received word that the plane had been diverted to San Antonio due to mechanical problems, and once again units were de-mobilized.
Though many of us were disappointed that we were not able to help Katrina victims that day, the exercise tested and proved the capabilities of the local emergency services to handle a sizeable relief effort.
NOTE: Just a short time later, the NDMS was activated again in response to Hurricane Rita, which dealt a second devastating blow to the Gulf coast. Click HERE to read about that event.
Click the thumbnails to view a larger photo in a separate browser window.
Over 70 ambulances lined the staging area prepared to transport patients
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A triage facility was set up with cots, medical supplies and food and drink
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Emergency workers get a briefing from WC-1
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Raleigh FD brought their hazmat trailer
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Raleigh's hazmat team set up decon
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Quite an equipment-intensive operation
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Mobile command center
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The brand new fire station became a makeshift dining room for emergency workers
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The American Red Cross provided sustenance for all
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No shortage of drinking water here!
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Ambulances and buses were positioned near the runway
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A closer look at some rather expensive toys
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Copyright 2005 NCFirewolf
