North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS) recently conducted "Exercise Time Slide," a major simulation through the Emergo Train System designed to test critical response capabilities across the hospital and local health system. This specialised medical exercise provided a rigorous evaluation of NWHHS’s Disaster and Emergency Incident Plan and Emergency Response Plan, which were updated and adopted in 2023.

This multi-agency exercise brought together NWHHS with Queensland Ambulance, Queensland Police Service, and Queensland Fire Department to test both pre-hospital and hospital responses. Essential hospital departments, including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Surgical and Medical wards, collaborated alongside the Brisbane-based Disaster Management Branch to enhance readiness for future mass casualty events and potential emergency code situations.

Health Service Chief Executive Sean Birgan said with recent emergency situations affecting communities in New South Wales and Queensland, the exercise was timely, enabling healthcare staff to confirm and refine their roles in responding to major incidents.

“I’m pleased with the dedication and coordination shown by our hospital staff and emergency services as they came together to ensure our community's safety in a simulated crisis,” he said.

“Their teamwork and technical skill were instrumental in achieving outstanding outcomes for our mock patients under extremely challenging conditions.”

Manager of Disaster and Emergency Preparedness, James Gustus, highlighted the exercise’s role in enhancing the skills and readiness of all teams involved.

“Exercise Time Slide offered invaluable experience for our staff, reaffirming our capability to manage complex, multi-casualty situations effectively. These exercises are essential for ensuring we maintain high standards of care during real emergencies,” he said.

The exercise featured a staged series of incidents in Mount Isa, resulting in multiple simulated casualties, creating a realistic and demanding environment to assess NWHHS's preparedness.