CONCEPT: "WHAT IS THE EXPLORER MOCK DISASTER?"
The 1994 Explorer Mock Disaster is featured in the April 1995
edition of "Exploring" magazine. The exercise was first
started in 1993 as a simulated aircraft crash. Explorers expressed
a strong interest in completely planning, and operating a simulated
mass casualty incident (M.C.I.) in which they assume the roles
of first responders, incident commanders, medical triage, rescue,
fire, law enforcement, "victims," communications, and
many other roles normally handled by adults. The event has been
recognized nationally at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's
annual Disaster Preparedness and Family Protection Conference
as a unique and effective way of involving Explorers in emergency
management. One emergency manager attending the 1994 event stated
that the Explorers were highly effective and performed as well
or better than some exercises involving strictly adult professional
organizations. A new specialty for Explorers has evolved in which
Explorers who belong to existing posts may also participate as
members of Emergency Management Posts to enhance their overall
abilities to deal with disasters and to provide invaluable support
to their community emergency service organizations through public
education about disasters, and actual support of emergency services
during disasters.