10/30/2025
On October 2, 2025, the Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System (GCVHCS) orchestrated the largest mass casualty incident response exercise along the Gulf Coast in eight years. This full-scale drill simulated a mid-air collision between two F-16 Fighting Falcons crashing near Biloxi beaches and Keesler Air Force Base, generating approximately 150 casualties. The exercise tested the response capabilities of 12 GCVHCS service departments, alongside community partners, ensuring readiness for any emergency.
The scenario unfolded with 15 simulated patients arriving at the GCVHCS Emergency Department where triage, treatment, and coordination were put to the test. Community collaborators included Biloxi Fire and Police, Pafford and Acadian Ambulance services, and Keesler first responders, with support from local hospitals Merit Health Biloxi, Ochsner Medical Center - Hancock, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, and Keesler Medical Center for simulated patient transfers.
Throughout the day, hospital leadership and participants engaged in real-time problem-solving at the Hospital Incident Command System/Emergency Operations Center, adapting to evolving scenarios crafted by exercise coordinators. The simulation included challenges like blood shortages and critical patient movements, with engineering teams providing vehicles to transport patients to Biloxi Regional Medical Center and Gulfport Memorial Hospital.
This exercise is part of an ongoing effort by GCVHCS to remain at the forefront of emergency preparedness, ensuring they can meet any crisis head-on. By participating in these drills, GCVHCS and its partners are poised to deliver exceptional care when real emergencies arise.
