MEEKER I Thanks to ExxonMobil, local emergency services, community and industry, representatives from Garfield, Rio Blanco, Mesa and Moffat counties received specialized training Nov. 13-15 on responding to major emergency and disaster situations.
Fifty participants from local emergency response teams and industry heard from Wright State University experts from the National Center for Medical Readiness. The three-day course in basic and advanced disaster life support sought to enhance delegates’ skills and knowledge on how to respond to major emergencies. The training, held at Meeker’s Mountain Valley Bank and Meeker High School, culminated with a simulated major incident with community volunteers.
ExxonMobil, which has gas production operations in Rio Blanco County, is funding the training through a grant from the ExxonMobil Foundation.
“The grant is part of ExxonMobil’s continuing commitment to support medical resources in the region,” said Matt Briney, ExxonMobil’s Piceance operations superintendent.
“This training is another important building block in learning about emergency preparedness with a diverse group of community professionals and volunteers,” said Dr. Albert Krueger, Pioneers Medical Center of Meeker. “It enhances the close collaboration and partnership with industry and regional emergency response teams and will provide additional benefits for our local community.”
Regional Emergency Response Participants:
• Northwest Regional Emergency Medical and Trauma Advisory Council, which includes Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt, Garfield and Mesa counties.
• Garfield County: Rifle Fire District.
• Mesa County: St. Mary’s Hospital.
• Moffat County: Moffat County Emergency Management.
• Rio Blanco County: ExxonMobil, Marathon, Meeker Volunteer Fire Department, Medic Systems, Pioneer Medical Center, Rangely Ambulance Service, Rangely District Hospital, Rangely Fire Department, Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, Shell Oil and Williams.
u Photos from the disaster drill appear on Page 6A
