EMS agencies simulate crowd attack at Jones Beach safety exercise
A large-scale emergency response drill at Jones Beach State Park simulated a vehicle-into-crowd attack to test and strengthen coordination among law enforcement, fire, EMS and park agencies ahead of the busy summer season.
First responders from multiple agencies participated in a large-scale emergency response training exercise at Jones Beach State Park on Sunday morning, testing how agencies would respond to a major incident during one of Long Island's busiest event seasons.
The scenario simulated a vehicle driving into a crowd during a practice day for the annual Jones Beach Air Show. EMS crews treated mock victims while law enforcement officers and emergency responders worked to secure the area, manage the scene and maintain public safety.
"It's critically important that first responders know where to respond, how to respond, to make sure any victims are treated quickly," said George Gorman, the regional director at New York State Office of Parks.
The exercise, organized by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Park Police, took place at Field 5 and ran from 8 a.m. until noon. Officials say the training was designed to strengthen coordination and emergency response capabilities among law enforcement, fire, EMS and park personnel.
Officials say exercises like this provide agencies with an opportunity to evaluate emergency plans, identify potential weaknesses and improve communication and coordination before an actual emergency occurs.
"What we find out is what we don't know," said Major Anthony Astacio, Long Island Commanding Officer for the New York State Park Police. "That's the best part of this. It's okay if we make a mistake during the exercise. We learn from it so it doesn't occur in reality."
Astacio said the training is particularly important as Jones Beach prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for concerts, sporting events and other major gatherings throughout the summer.
"On a regular beach-going day, where we have 100,000 people at the beach, if something should occur, it's instant communication with the Wantagh Fire Department, Nassau County Police Department, and State Police," he said.
Personnel from the New York State Park Police, New York State Police, Nassau County Police Department, Wantagh Fire Department and Jones Beach State Park operations staff took part in the exercise.
