University and Calgary’s emergency services partner for readiness training exercise

On Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016, the University of Calgary will host a mock tabletop emergency readiness training exercise as a way to assess the institution’s emergency readiness plan.

The purpose of the exercise is to provide an opportunity to increase familiarization, understanding and identify areas of improvement for response to an actual event. Calgary’s emergency services, including the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department, Alberta Health Services Emergency Medical Services, Calgary 9-1-1, and the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, along with representatives from the University of Calgary will take part in a day-long tabletop training exercise.

“The University of Calgary is committed to having the structures, plans, and resources in place for effective emergency response management on campus,” said Bob Maber, Associate Director of Emergency Management, University of Calgary. “This exercise is just one way we’re enhancing the University’s preparedness, which contributes to a safe and healthy living and learning environment, which is our top priority.”

“Calgary’s emergency services are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors to Calgary,” said Staff Sergeant Jay Judin, Calgary Police Service, Major Event and Emergency Management Unit. “This type of exercise is a proactive measure by the partner agencies, as large-scale incidents can occur at any time and at any place. A coordinated response is crucial in these kinds of scenarios.”

Representatives from each organization will gather at the University and run through a mock mass-casualty incident. Today’s tabletop exercise is a precursor to a live exercise that will be staged in summer 2017.