FORT BRAGG, NC - Severe weather events and disasters can happen at any time, and in a critical demonstration of preparedness, Womack Army Medical Center’s military and civilian staff conducted a mass casualty exercise (MASCAL) on March 19, 2025. The drill, held at Fort Bragg, NC, was designed to test their emergency response abilities in the face of extreme weather scenarios, specifically simulating a direct tornado hit at one of the clinics during accountability procedures.
As soon as the MASCAL alert was triggered, staff members swiftly mobilized to their designated locations, ready to manage an influx of simulated casualties. In addition to the medical emergencies, the scenario also involved interactions with a disgruntled family member, adding complexity to the exercise. “Our MASCAL exercise was a great opportunity to test our communications across the organization while also providing some hands-on training to staff to ensure our readiness to respond to larger scale emergencies on Fort Bragg,” said Hospital Commander, Col. Stephanie Mont.
Col. Mont emphasized the relevance of the exercise, highlighting that severe weather can impact their operations at any time, requiring constant vigilance and preparedness. The exercise was not just about responding to medical emergencies; it also evaluated critical aspects such as communication, resource management, staff responsibilities, and safety protocols.
The drill served several important purposes, as outlined by Womack’s Emergency Manager, George White. “The goal of the exercise was to evaluate the preparedness of the emergency operation plan, identify planning and procedural deficiencies, test or validate recently changed procedures or plans, clarify roles and responsibilities, and determine the participants' efficiency,” White noted. His perspective sheds light on the meticulous planning that goes into such drills, which are essential for ensuring that the team can operate seamlessly during an actual crisis.
Moreover, the drill also provided a unique opportunity to engage staff proactively, reinforcing their familiarity with emergency procedures and protocols. Consistent training in the hospital incident command system has proven to be vital. The hospital recognizes communication as a key challenge in emergency scenarios, and constant training and retraining have effectively mitigated potential issues.
Col. Mont expressed her confidence in the staff’s performance during the exercise, saying, “Our team performed exceptionally well, and I’m confident that Womack is ready to respond to any type of emergency we may face.” This sentiment signals a robust commitment to preparedness and underscores the hospital’s proactive stance in tackling potential disasters.
Womack Army Medical Center engages in various exercises and drills throughout the year to ensure readiness for any emergencies that may arise. Staff members are routinely trained and retrained, creating a culture of preparedness that permeates the organization. These exercises not only adhere to regulatory requirements but also build confidence in the staff’s capabilities to act swiftly and effectively in the face of real-world emergencies.
As the event concluded, the leadership at Womack Army Medical Center took stock of the accomplishments and areas for improvement revealed during the exercise. Continuous assessment and enhancement of emergency operational plans remain a priority for the hospital, ensuring that they can maintain a high level of readiness for any scenario, whether it's a natural disaster like the hurricanes and tornadoes simulated during the MASCAL exercise or other unforeseen challenges.
This commitment to preparedness is imperative, especially considering that natural disasters can occur with little notice. To stay ahead, Womack Army Medical Center will continue to execute drills that test their systematic readiness, ensuring both staff and hospital systems can respond efficiently and effectively when disasters strike.
