Disaster response exercise returns to Mozingo Lake
FILE PHOTO
A Missouri National Guardsman administers first aid to an “injured” comrade during the 2016 Missouri Hope disaster response field training exercise at Mozingo Lake. This year’s three-day simulation, held in support of the emergency and disaster management program at Northwest Missouri State University, will take place Oct. 13-15.
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Northwest Missouri State University will host the fifth annual Missouri Hope disaster response field training exercise Oct. 13-15 at Mozingo Lake.
The three-day domestic disaster simulation is required for students pursuing degrees or minors in emergency and disaster management at Northwest and takes place at the Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area located north of the park proper as well as the nearby Mozingo Lake organized group camp.
Organizers say volunteers still are needed to play the roles of disaster victims and community members acting as “spontaneous volunteers.”
Other volunteer functions include such behind-the scenes tasks as applying makeup, known as moulage, designed to simulate the appearance of fractures, puncture wounds, lacerations and other injuries.
Anyone interested in volunteering can register online at goo.gl/forms/DWJj8wnY2JDK6vW32.
Offered each fall by Northwest’s Consortium for Humanitarian Service and Education, Missouri Hope attracts participation each year by law-enforcement and first-responder agencies from across the region.
Partner agencies include for 2017 include Maryville Public Safety, Nodaway County and Buchanan County emergency management offices, the Nodaway County Ambulance District, the LifeFlight and LifeNet air ambulance organizations, the Region H Marine Hazmat Team and elements of the Missouri National Guard.
Students from other colleges and universities participate as well.
Participation is open to all Northwest students regardless of major or minor. Students can opt not to receive academic credit for taking part, but credit is available to any student who wants it.
Students, who must commit to attending the entire exercise, are assigned to disaster response teams and, at various times, assume both leadership and subordinate roles.
For more information about Missouri Hope 2017, email Peter Adam at [email protected]. For more information about Northwest’s emergency and disaster management program, email John Carr at [email protected].
