Bilaspur-AIIMS conducts mass casualty drill

A mass casualty drill was recently conducted at All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bilaspur, to assess and enhance emergency preparedness in the event of large-scale disasters. The exercise aimed to evaluate the hospital’s response mechanisms, coordination, and efficiency during crisis situations.

Dr Tarun Sharma, Deputy Medical Superintendent, said the drill was conducted under the expert supervision of Dr Nelson and Dr Herald from the World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with AIIMS faculty and staff. The simulation exercise tested the hospital’s emergency response plan, involving various departments and emergency services.

Dr Dinesh Verma, Medical Superintendent, highlighted the key roles played by Dr. Prawal from Trauma and Emergency, and Dr Ajay Dhiman from the Department of Surgery in executing the drill. He added that the hospital was strategically divided into red and green zones, along with designated areas for families and the media to simulate real-time emergency dynamics.

Nursing officers, security personnel, and emergency staff actively participated in the drill, ensuring a comprehensive and realistic response scenario. The exercise was part of WHO’s ongoing training program, which included prior sessions at JPNTC, AIIMS New Delhi.

Dr Nelson and Dr. Herald praised the AIIMS Bilaspur team for their professionalism and preparedness, stating that such drills are vital to building institutional resilience and crisis readiness.

Dr Tarun Sharma also acknowledged the crucial role of Prof DN Sharma, Executive Director of AIIMS-Bilaspur, in planning and coordinating the event in collaboration with WHO.