Herman Elementary Evacuation Drill
August 25, 2001

A successful disaster drill was conducted on Saturday, August 25 in the parking lot of the Herman Elementary school. The Washington/Burt LEPC simulated a release of anhydrous ammonia from a tanker truck . In the simulation a school bus driver, played by Washington County Supervisor Daryl Miller had a heart attack and collided with the tanker truck causing the release. Fire and rescue personnel had to respond to both the hazardous material release and student passengers that needed medical attention.

First on the scene was the Herman VFD. Quickly assessing the gravity and scope of the accident, they called for support from Craig, Oakland and Lyons. After the anhydrous release was stopped, rescue crews were able to treat the school bus victims. A triage area was quickly established for 12 victims. Herman Fire Chief Darrel Boyce simulated calls for life-flight and directed other victims to be transported to Blair Memorial Community Hospital for emergency care.

Participants and evaluators were impressed with the actual tanker-truck used. It was provided by Terra Distribution and is used in first responder training. "The simulation of the anhydrous release looked as real as possible," according to Washington County Emergency Manager Mike Dwyer. "We would like to repeat this drill in the Arlington area sometime next year and have other departments benefit from this hands-on training."