Suburban Hospital to Participate in Wednesday Disaster Drill

will be among 13 Maryland hospitals that will test their ability to respond to a mass casualty terrorist attack Wednesday morning.

The drill is a part of Capital Shield 2012, organized by the Department of Defense and the University of Maryland’s Center for Health and Homeland Security. More than 80 federal, state and local agencies will test the region’s response capability as a part of the program.

From 8:15 a.m. — 2 p.m. Wednesday, mock “victims” — volunteers with simulated injuries — will be transported to area hospitals, where responders dressed in decontamination gear will test their emergency response procedures.

The drill will begin with “triage” at the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Training Academy before mock victims are transported by ambulance and helicopter to local hospitals. Responders will also be practicing mock rescues and treatment procedures.

As a part of the Bethesda Hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Partnership, Suburban Hospital will be practicing emergency response in partnership with the the Clinical Center, and the National Library of Medicine.

Residents can expect more helicopter traffic in the area. Regular operations at local hospitals won't be affected.