Earthquake Drill at Santa Barbara High Involves a Death and Injuries in the Scenario

An earthquake drill at Santa Barbara High School involved a simulated death and two serious injuries. Over 2000 students took part.

Repeated alarms rang just after 10 a.m. Students had been told of the drill and what the plan would be to leave the main campus buildings. They evacuated immediately and in a calm manner. Most gathered on the grass well away from the building. In a real earthquake, there would be a high risk after the initial shake, either inside or near a multi-story building like the school.

A Santa Barbara City Fire crew worked closely with students assigned to survey the campus and do an assessment. Radios were used to communicate back to the Assistant Principal David Meister. He said the effort was effective, and the students took the drill seriously. “They didn’t get very high or low they did what they were supposed to do. We did practice a lot. I was impressed with the way they handled it,” he said.

A student organizer said they realize emergency responders may not always be available when a quake hits due to multiple calls for service in the city. “But our goal is to help. If they (firefighters) can not show up right away we triage the injured in the front and we have our own triage system,” said student Ray Holguin. “This is one is more of a “hands on” drill – medical treatment and so forth. This is probably our best drill.” The school has previously had a fire drill and an active shooter drill.

Student Grant Vasek said he was very interested in a position on the response team. “I don’t get to sit on the field for a half an hour. I am actually involved and help and make sure everyone is ok,” he said.

Two students involved in sports medicine for the schools athletic teams, had emergency kits out and were helping those who were hurt.

Kaitlin O’Connell said , “I was helping with triage. We were splinting, we were involved with ace bandages, and gauze.” She said some of the needs would be similar to what she has learned from sports injuries, but also said, it was unpredictable. In a real life event O’Connell said there would likely be more injuries.

Her partner in the medic zone, Gaia Sellet said “it definitely gives me a chance to know what to do if someone gets hurt or breaks a bone. It gives me good experience.” They also work with a team doctor at sports events, and learn to assess injuries on the spot. Campus emergency kits were also in use.

“We’re prepared,” said Sellet.