Today, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) conducted a full-scale mass casualty training exercise at the El Paso County Jail. The scenario was set in our jail’s kitchen after an explosion and subsequent fire. Multiple casualties and serious injuries were reported, and several additional challenges were introduced during the exercise. Role-players from across various sections of the Office were utilized to portray injured staff and inmates with various medical concerns at locations throughout relevant portions of the Jail.
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Detention Bureau leadership organized the annual training, utilizing partnerships with American Medical Response (AMR), Cimarron Hills Fire Department, and the Colorado Springs Fire Department. The scenario included participants from Vital Core medical staff, the EPSO Special Response Team (SRT), Intake and Release, Floor Security, and Court and Transport.
The training is required for our American Correctional Association (ACA) certification and aids our Office in identifying additional training and equipment needs.
“I am incredibly proud of our Detention Bureau and the successful results of today’s mass casualty exercise,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “My deputies demonstrated confidence in their training, proper application of their skills, and care for each other, as well as those in our custody. These specialized, highly stressful, collaborative training opportunities are essential. They push participants outside their comfort zones and force them to use critical thinking in a controlled environment. Thank you to everyone who participated, including our community partners. Together, we make a meaningful difference in serving our community, including our incarcerated citizens.”
The El Paso County Jail remained fully operational during today’s training event.