Jefferson Medical Center participates in community emergency response drill     

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Jefferson Medical Center joined Jefferson County Schools and other community partners for an emergency response drill simulating an active shooter event.   

 

On Wednesday, April 22, emergency services and Jefferson County authorities worked together to initiative emergency response protocols and practices while responding to Wildwood Middle School. The drill began with a call to Jefferson County 911 Communications Center reporting an active shooter, which sparked a coordinated response from law enforcement, emergency medical services, school administration, and family reunification systems.   

 

Participants portraying injured individuals were transported to WVU Medicine Jefferson Medical Center. There, WVU Medicine teams and providers practiced emergency triage and treatment protocols.  

 

“Participating in this drill alongside our community partners allows us to strengthen collaboration, build trust, and reinforce confidence in how we work together in real-life situations,” said Nicole Dollison, CEO of WVU Medicine Jefferson Medical Center. “These shared efforts help ensure our community is supported by care teams who are ready, aligned, and prepared to act.”  

Following the evacuation of students and staff, West Virginia State Police took over the school to begin processing with crime-scene units.  

 

This innovative multi-agency drill brought community safety partners together to coordinate response times, practices, and be practiced and prepared for a real emergency of this scale if it were to occur.  

 

"As a community and as parents, this kind of scenario is our worst nightmare," said Dr. Chuck Bishop, Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools. "Being prepared is our best defense. Just like putting on a seatbelt every time you get in a car, practicing preparedness is the best way we know how to keep everyone safe."