Three Higher Ed Institutions Hold Disaster Drill in Kilgore

KILGORE — The University of Texas at Tyler, in collaboration with LeTourneau University and Kilgore College, is participating in a “Point of Dispensing” disaster drill. According to a news release, the exercise began at 8 this morning and runs till 1 this afternoon at Kilgore Primary School. Along with nursing students from LETU and KC, UT Tyler Longview University Center nursing students are managing the POD drill. In addition, about 300 Kilgore Junior High School students are participating as clients. According to the news release, LUC’s Rebecca Carrasco says the exercise provides “potential scenarios in identifying persons with limited mobility, physical compromise, or the mental health issues that can easily arise in high-stress situations.”

In the wake of 9/11, the federal government created the Medical Research Corps to channel medical/health volunteers to respond to large-scale public health crises where medications could be distributed at selected public buildings. This is the second POD drill in which UT Tyler LUC has participated, and officials foresee annual POD drills that will help train nursing students to respond to disaster. Event sponsors include the Gregg County Health Department and local fire and police departments.