Mass casualty training exercise at Fort Jackson

FORT JACKSON Fort Jackson conducted a mass casualty exercise Tuesday, to prepare for any catastrophic event that would require the cooperation of both military and civilian emergency responders, law enforcement agencies and hospitals.

Under the scenario, two gunmen who entered the 81st Regional Support Command building at the fort and opened fire, injuring or killing dozens of people. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department SWAT responded, and eliminated the gunmen.

Victims were treated by responders from Columbia and Richland and Lexington counties and taken to local hospitals

The fort’s Crisis Management Team oversaw the exercise, which focused on several specific areas such as establishing an emergency operation center, reporting procedures, emergency responder procedures and family assistance.

"The cooperation of our local partners from the Columbia community during times of an emergency is critical to saving lives, property and continuing the mission of Fort Jackson," Fort Jackson spokesman Pat Jones said.

This story was originally published April 7, 2015 at 9:24 PM with the headline "Mass casualty training exercise at Fort Jackson."