CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. – The Virginia National Guard is taking part in a National Disaster Medical System test Saturday at the Chesterfield County Airport.
“Residents and motorists in the area will see an influx of emergency vehicles throughout the day and should not be alarmed,” Chesterfield County spokesman Dave Goode said. “There will be an increase in air traffic activities as well with two Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopters participating in the exercise.”
The exercise, designed to test the county’s Emergency Operations Plan, is scheduled from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
“The National Disaster Medical System is a federally coordinated system that assists state and local authorities in dealing with the local medical impacts of major disasters that occur in other places,” Goode said. “The Chesterfield County Airport is designated by the NDMS as a ‘patient receiver’ site. Saturday’s exercise will be a continuation of training exercises that have occurred at the airport over the past few years.”
Saturday’s scenario involves an earthquake in Memphis, Tenn., that has resulted in the need to deliver patients to Richmond.
