WCHS Successfully Completes Statewide Emergency Exercise

Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) demonstrated its commitment to emergency preparedness by actively participating in a state-sponsored hospital emergency exercise. The large-scale simulation, which spanned multiple healthcare facilities and agencies across Nebraska, tested the region’s ability to respond to a mass casualty event caused by a severe tornado outbreak. 

The exercise was designed to assess hospitals' capacity to manage a sudden influx of patients while maintaining operational effectiveness. WCHS, along with other participating institutions, worked through complex scenarios that simulated real-world emergency conditions, ensuring staff and systems were rigorously tested under pressure. Importantly, the exercise did not affect the hospital’s actual patient care, as all cases in the drill were simulated. 

WCHS collaborated closely with its regional hospital coalition, the Rural Region One Medical Response System (RROMRS), and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Center for Preparedness to execute the drill successfully. This coordinated effort reinforced the hospital’s role as a frontline responder in the face of large-scale disasters. 

“We take emergency preparedness very seriously, and exercises like this are crucial to ensuring that our staff, resources, and systems are ready for real-life emergencies,” said Paul McCarty, Physical Environment Director at WCHS. “This drill allowed us to put our response plans into action, evaluate our capabilities, and strengthen coordination with other healthcare facilities and emergency response teams.” 

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kini underscored the value of such simulations stating, "A mass casualty event can overwhelm hospitals in a matter of minutes. This simulation gave us the opportunity to refine our protocols, enhance communication, and ensure that our medical teams are fully equipped to manage a sudden surge in patients efficiently and effectively.” 

By participating in rigorous emergency training exercises, WCHS continues to prioritize patient safety and community well-being. The hospital remains dedicated to continuous improvement in emergency response planning and will continue engaging in training initiatives to strengthen its disaster readiness.