Mass‑Casualty Simulation at Karimachat Dam Shows AIIMS Patna’s Coordination Strength

Sasaram, August 23 — In a concerted effort to bolster mass‑casualty response, AIIMS Patna executed a full‑scale mock drill at the Karimachat Dam in Rohtas district. The drill tested rapid medical assistance, inter‑agency coordination and resource management under a simulated disaster scenario.

The exercise recreated a fictitious explosion that affected over 150 visitors enjoying recreational activities on the dam’s water body. Approximately 70 casualties, ranging from children to elders, were simulated. Responders from the National Disaster Response Force, Health Emergency Operations Centre, police, fire‑services, NGO volunteers and AIIMS clinicians engaged in incident command, security, crowd control, triage, patient evacuation, resuscitation, emergency procedures, technical rescue and communications.

Prof. (Dr.) Anil Kumar, professor and head of Trauma Surgery & Critical Care, served as incident commander. The response divided patients into a green zone for ambulatory cases and a red zone for critical injuries, handling 45 green‑zone and 25 red‑zone patients.

A BHISHM cube was deployed as a mobile emergency medical centre, equipped for neurosurgical interventions, chest‑tube insertion, hemorrhage control, stabilization, pain relief and suturing. The cube’s digital inventory and location‑tracking features were also demonstrated.

NDRF teams carried out simulated rescue operations for individuals who fell into the dam’s reservoir, while about 30 volunteers from the Arjun Foundation acted as role‑players. A comprehensive debrief followed, highlighting lessons learned and areas for improvement. Executive Director Prof. (Brigadier) Dr. Raju Agrawal commended the participating agencies and affirmed AIIMS Patna’s continued focus on disaster preparedness.