On April 14, 2026, the Essam Debiso District Hospital, in collaboration with the Western North RegionalNational Ambulance Service (NAS), successfully conducted a high-impact simulation exercise to evaluate their readiness for mass casualty incidents.
Realistic Scenario, Real Lessons
The exercise simulated a food poisoning outbreak following a hospital clean-up, where participants who consumed millet kenkey later reported symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, and vomiting. This scenario tested the ability of responders to act swiftly and effectively under pressure.
Coordinated Emergency Response
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) led the response through rapid patient assessment, triage, and pre-hospital care, supported by Community First Responders. Critical patients were stabilized and transported, while hospital staff ensured seamless reception and continued care.
Learning, Collaboration & Improvement
The exercise highlighted strong teamwork and inter-agency coordination, while also identifying key areas for improvement. Notably, stakeholders emphasized the need to extend future simulations into communities to enhance public awareness and engagement.
The debriefing session also featured valuable insights from the Ghana National Fire Service on early fire suppression techniques—reinforcing the importance of multi-agency collaboration in emergency management.
A Step Forward for Community Safety
The exercise was widely commended as a success, with appreciation extended to all participants, facilitators, and supporting agencies for their dedication to strengthening emergency preparedness in the district.
