FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical will hold its annual Mass Casualty exercise Nov. 15-16 at various locations within the main hospital.

The exercise will rehearse the medical center’s emergency action plans and response procedures.

The exercise consists of incidents at several locations; specific locations are not disclosed in an effort to maintain realistic responses.

Patients can expect to see an increase in security and hurried activity at or near incident locations. In addition to increased security and emergency response activity, patients may observe role players needing assistance, or hear sounds in the incident areas. The exercise is expected to conclude in the afternoon on Nov. 16.

During the exercise, the emergency warning system (overhead speakers) will be used to simulate commands, i.e. “Shelter in Place.” All exercise instructions will be preceded and followed by “EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE.” Patients should not be alarmed and need not respond.

All clinics will operate on normal schedules. Patients with appointments are advised to keep their appointments, as there will be minimal impact to patient care during the exercise.

Media representatives interested in covering the exercise should RSVP with CRDAMC Public Affairs by calling (254) 288-8005 or email usarmy.hood.medcom-crdamc.mbx.pao@mail.mil by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14.