GENTRY — For those who have not already figured out what was happening on the streets of Gentry late March 2 when police, fire and ambulance sirens could be heard everywhere, it was a mock critical incident drill.

The scenario, which involved students and emergency personnel, was called “The Final Party,” according to a Gentry Police Department release prior to the event. It included teenagers abusing prescription medications at an outdoor party, followed by a traffic accident involving some of the teens and another family.

The mock incident gave emergency personnel an opportunity to practice response procedures and also provided an eye-opening display to teens, demonstrating the possible results of prescription drug abuse and driving. The incident included vehicle extrication, serious injuries and fatalities.

A similar type mock exercise, called “Every 15 Minutes,” was conducted three years ago at the Gentry High School.

News, Pages 1 on 03/10/2010