Canton Fire and Rescue, along with Rensselaer Falls and Rescue, designed a training drill for all members of departments in District 1. The drill, which was held on Saturday, August 6th, included members from Canton Fire and Rescue, Rensselaer Falls Fire and Rescue, Heuvelton Fire and First Responders, Morley Fire, Pyrites Fire, Pierrepont Fire and First Responders, Potsdam Rescue, and St. Lawrence University Security. The drill was designed to simulate a dorm room fire in Whitman Hall on the St. Lawrence University campus. Smoke machines were used to fill parts of the building with smoke to simulate the fire and the possible extension throughout the building. In order to make the scenario as realistic as possible, some "victims" were mannequins while others were living volunteers, many of whom were kids. The drill presented two objectives that had to be overcome by all those involved. The first was the fire within a dormitory. This is something that we have experienced in the past at each of the college campuses. The second was the MCI, or mass casualty incident, that occurred due to the number of fire "victims." MCI's require a significant number of different resources and are something that most agencies seldom train for and sometimes never respond to.

A mock dispatch system was setup to simulate the numerous agencies being dispatched to the scene. A triage area for the victims was created, as it would be in a real MCI situation. All agencies involved in the drill played pivotal roles and assumed the same responsibilities as they would in a normal situation.

Prior to the drill, a briefing occurred at the Canton Fire Station. This briefing prepared all those involved as to what the scenario was and any other important information that they may need to know. Doughnuts and coffee were present that way no one would be participating tired or on an empty stomach.

Following the drill, a debriefing occurred back at Canton Fire Station. Hamburgers, hot dogs, salad, watermelon, cold water and Gatorade were provided to everyone. Canton 4-4 performed the debriefing and everyone involved was able to add their input to the conversation as to what they learned and/or what they wish that had learned. This was a large learning and teaching opportunity for all involved.

Canton Fire and Rescue would like to thank all agencies and personnel involved as well as St. Lawrence University for allowing us the opportunity to train and better prepare ourselves through the use of the building for this drill. From everyone involved, the result is that the drill was a success as a learning and teaching tool.