Texas Tech Physicians participated in a citywide disaster drill on May 8.  About 90 volunteers were involved in a scenario of a plane crash near one of the runways at the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration requires this type of drill to be conducted every three years. Documentation of organizational participation in emergency management drills is also important for satisfying The Joint Commission standards for accreditation.

“Triage occured at the scene and those needing further medical care were taken to the participating hospitals,” said Ahnna Parker, MSN, R.N., chief nursing officer. “Texas Tech Physicians, serving as an extension of University Medical Center Hospital, received ‘walking wounded’ patients who were treated and released.  We work hard to be ready for such situations. While Texas Tech Physicians is not a primary receiving site (that would be the hospitals) it is critical that we not underestimate our role.”

Disasters are unpredictable, but important steps can be taken before a disaster occurs to minimize the loss of life and to help as many victims as possible. Disaster preparedness is everyone’s responsibility and Texas Tech Physicians is prepared to assist UMC in caring for walking wounded victims of any mass casualty situation that might occur on the South Plains.

“In a true mass casualty situation — the doctors and other providers of Texas Tech Physicians would have a vital role,” Magers said.  “Victims of a disaster cannot be treated without physicians, other providers and nurses — that is where we come in. It pays to practice what we would do in a real situation.”



Texas Tech Physicians CEO Brent Magers, Dale Dunn, M.D., and Bryce McGregor implemented disaster plans in the Institutional Command Center during the recent drill.