Training first responders for disasters - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Training first responders for disasters

Emergency responders know that being prepared means more lives can be saved

Representatives from local health departments, fire, and police stations met today to discuss how to be more effective after a disaster. The local agencies talked about their new equipment, including a device that can connect responders by phone even if the infrastructure fails.

Stephanie Kuschel, Coordinator for the Region Hospital Coordinating Center, says, "Having the batteries charges, knowing the line of command and who we're going to communicate to and make sure that somebody calls the hospitals and says 'Hey there was just an incident, we're gonna have an influx of victims."

The three local hospitals were also involved in today's meeting.