Vail Health Conducts Mass Casualty Incident Drill to Enhance Emergency Preparedness
On November 13, Vail Health’s Trauma & Emergency Services successfully conducted a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Simulation drill to strengthen the hospital’s response capabilities. The multi-disciplinary exercise involved 12 departments and five community partner agencies, including Eagle County Paramedics Services, Vail Police, Eagle County Emergency Management, Vail Dispatch, and Fight for Life, working in coordination to respond to a simulated mass casualty event.
Volunteer actors, comprising 24 staff and community members, portrayed realistic patient scenarios, such as family reunification, allowing teams to practice protocols in conditions that closely mimic an actual emergency. Throughout the simulation, staff remained stationed across the hospital to maintain regular operations and patient care, while signage informed visitors about the ongoing drill.
“This drill allowed us to learn and grow in a realistic and safe environment, providing invaluable opportunities to improve patient care, enhance teamwork, build confidence, and refine our skills,” said Elizabeth Kruger, Trauma Program Manager at Vail Health.
Throughout the simulation, the team practiced role delegation, closed-loop communication, and patient stabilization from triage to disposition. This was Vail Health’s second Trauma MCI drill, building on previous training to ensure the hospital maintains the highest level of emergency preparedness.
“The efforts put forth by everyone involved were tremendous, and the outcomes have reinforced our collective commitment to improving the care we provide in our community,” said Elizabeth.
The drill, which was funded by philanthropy, demonstrates the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing superior trauma-informed care for Eagle County residents and visitors. “Benefactor support made this initiative a reality, and for that, I am truly thankful,” said Elizabeth.
