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On Thursday, April 26th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 pm Civista Medical Center along with 13 Maryland hospitals will participate in the Sisyphus Field Training Exercise, conducted by the 11th Air Wing, Joint Base Andrews. This is a full-scale (realistic) exercise to test the region's ability to respond to a mass casualty incident and coordinate with multiple federal, state and local agencies. Hospitals in Montgomery, Prince George's, Calvert and Charles counties, will be testing their ability to transport and treat a large number of patients. They will also be testing technology that keeps track of patients, their conditions and hospital bed space in case of an actual disaster.

The public should take note that the Sisyphus Field Training Exercise will simulate the movement and treatment of mock victims to area hospitals. Residents should anticipate additional helicopter traffic in the area. This exercise will not impact the ability to be promptly seen at local hospitals, but people should be aware that they will likely see mock victims dressed up to look like they have been severely injured, hospital staff in personal protective equipment simulating the decontamination process and hazmat vehicles. People should not be alarmed; this is a planned exercise to test the region's capability to respond to a mass casualty scenario.