Exercise at Raetihi

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 4, 23 June 1987, Page 2

Exercise at Raetihi

Horrific injuries, catastrophic damage and high numbers of casualties were reported after an "earthquake" devastated Raetihi School - that was the scenario in yesterday's mock ci vil defence emergency. No other premises in Raetihi were affected by the massive "quake" which rocked classrooms, striking at precisely 10am. Complications arose when a fire broke out in the school's boiler room. Raetihi's full emergency contingent including Fire Engine, Ambulance, Red Cross and Civil Defence personnel, were in attendance in the wake of the tremor, to treat the wounded and restore some semblance of order. The exercise was the first of its kind to be held at the school and is the pilot to many such practices, brought about by a growing awareness of the vulnerability of the area. What began as a work unit for the senior school was enthusiastically adopted by the entire school.

'Victims' were chosen from the junior, intermediate and senior syndicates, with injuries ranging from cuts and abrasions, to severe bone breakages (with just a touch of red paint to add to the realism.) Apparent confusion reigned for several minutes

with the arrival of Civil Defence volunteers and Fire Brigade after it was discovered both smoke bombs had burnt out and there was apparently no fire. It wasn't long however, before hosereels were pulled out and breathing apparatus donned, to fight the 'inferno'.