Emergency Response “Phoenix Team” Conducts Drill

On Wednesday, April 8th, the Oliver Wolcott Phoenix Team conducted its first school-wide drill.  It was a great success.  At the announcement over the PA system, all members of the team had removed themselves from their classrooms, suited up in their firefighting gear, and were at their stations around the school in 12 minutes.  Also, the Health Tech students and faculty were manning triage stations located in the gymnasium.

The team was conceptualized by TFC Ed Capowich, a state trooper assigned as the school’s resource officer since May of 2007.  The concept was endorsed by the school administration as well as the coordinators of the local EMS services.  Comprised of Wolcott Technical students and staff, Phoenix Team members are readily identifiable by the distinctive stickers on the back of their student ID’s. 

Trooper Capowich remarked, “The reporter (Jim Moore from the Republican-American) that covered the drill was extremely surprised and pleased that the team responded, took direction, suited up and was on station in less than 12 minutes.  I was very proud of the way that the team conducted themselves.  They acted in a very professional manner.  I would be proud and confident to work an actual disaster with this fine group of young adults.” 

A few months ago, the Torrington Area Health District, in cooperation with the State of Connecticut, needed a satellite site for Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, should the need for emergency response arise.  In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, or an illness pandemic, the capacity of Charlotte Hungerford would be quickly filled.  Torrington Area Health would need a facility readily available, close to major travel routes, and easily accessible.  Wolcott Technical High School meets these needs. 

Realizing that OWTS had a student body with a wealth of talent and dedication, the decision was made to formulate a student body response team that could be utilized to assist the emergency responders and facilitate the ease of patient care, entrance and egress to the school, and continual monitoring of victims.  With the addition of faculty supervisors, the team was formed. 

Trooper Capowich called upon the volunteer firefighters, EMT’s, MRT’s, CPR and AED trained students as well as any other student trained in first-aid.  They responded enthusiastically. The firefighters will be supervised by Mr. Roger Rougeot, a local fire chief with many years of training and service.  Additionally, the school’s Health Technologies staff, including Department Head Donna Alfano and instructors Pleshette Markel and Susan Zbell, agreed to supervise the medical involvement of the students.    All students will be kept on school grounds and will not be put in harm’s way, nor be asked to jeopardize their safety.  All students will be supervised by trained and certified adults. 

Persons with questions or comments can contact Trooper Capowich at 860-496-5370 or 860-824-2555, ext. 1007.