Deschutes County MRC Strengthens Readiness with Emergency Exercise | Written by Alex Drungil

When disaster strikes, preparation can make all the difference. That’s why the Deschutes County Medical Reserve Corps (DCMRC), in partnership with the Red Cross, and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) conducted a full-scale emergency preparedness exercise focused on medical shelter operations in December 2024 at Deschutes County Health Services. 15 DCMRC volunteers and 4 external partners participated in the exercise in various roles.

Why Practice Matters Emergency preparedness exercises simulate real-life scenarios, helping volunteers and responders build the skills and confidence needed to act quickly and effectively. For the DCMRC, these exercises are about more than just practice: they’re about ensuring volunteers are ready to support the community during crises, such as wildfire evacuations.

“Being prepared means having the experience and teamwork to respond when it counts,” explained DCMRC Coordinator Alex Drungil. Exercises like this one give volunteers hands-on training and strengthen the resilience of the entire community.

Inside the Medical Shelter Exercise The recent exercise, supported by the Red Cross, challenged volunteers to operate a medical shelter for people evacuated during a simulated wildfire. The scenario required them to care for role-playing patients with a range of needs. Some patients arrived with mock injuries, created using special effects makeup called moulage, while others needed basic medical care or emotional support.

Volunteers worked through realistic challenges, like triaging patients, managing stress, and communicating clearly under pressure. Observers and evaluators were on hand to provide feedback, ensuring every step of the process was a valuable learning opportunity.

Looking Ahead The exercise was a success, showcasing the dedication and capability of DCMRC volunteers. Partnering with the Red Cross added another layer of realism to the training and highlighted the importance of collaboration in disaster response.

For more information on the DCMRC, please visit our website.