A Full-Scale Exercise for Preparedness for Uncertain and Novel Chemical Hazards with Pediatric Casualties: Project PUNCH

Introduction: In 2022, the Harvard/Beth Israel Deaconess Disaster Medicine Fellowship conducted a full-scale exercise (FSX) with dual mission of 1) training Fellows (DMFs) in design, planning, and execution, 2) expanding local first responder experience pediatric casualties mixed-method terrorist attack. Method: Project PUNCH (Preparedness for Uncertain Novel Chemical Hazards) was planned two stages. A tabletop form facilitated discussion March 2022 stakeholders from Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Massachusetts HazMat Team. FSX simulating combined blast chemical attack on family gathering held June at Anna Maria College Paxton, MA. Results: EMS, HazMat, LifeFlight, Police, MA State Reserve Corps, over 40 volunteer victims including 16 volunteers participated FSX. The two-hour simulated explosion secondary drone-deployed dummy-opioid aerosol release. This Paxton Region since coronavirus pandemic began. Planning by DMFs between January aid faculty following Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program guidelines. Local leadership Pediatric expertise were engaged to plan specific considerations, precautions safety measures. COVID precaution guidelines followed. These efforts are detailed forthcoming field report. Educational guides toxidromes triage resuscitation distributed responders. Conclusion: end outcome that trained increased responders concepts asymmetric attacks comfort disaster victims. Multi-agency drills remain an important tool preparedness response mass casualty events.