City emergency support workers practice mock evacuation

KAMLOOPS — Emergency service teams from throughout the Kamloops region came together this weekend to practice a mock emergency evacuation.

The City of Kamloops Emergency support service teams, the City of Kamloops Emergency Management, Canadian Red Cross, and St.John Ambulance were among the groups taking part in the McArthur Island event.

Dan Sutherland, Assistant Chief with Kamloops Fire and Rescue, says a good portion of the weekend was focused on sharing information.

“Emergency support services are specialized in reception and referral,” said Sutherland. “Having the Canadian Red Cross understand what we do in case we need surge support in a large-scale event is crucial. Vice versa, we have the Canadian Red Cross teaching us about group lodging and how they do things so we have a better understanding of their work process.”