Tri-Epic

Tri-Epic

Harrington Memorial Hospital has always worked with local agencies to improve the emergency systems response so that help can be provided as quickly as possible. In the aftermath of 9-11, with community concern about biological terrorism and violence, the hospital took a leadership role and became host to a coordinated effort of local police, fire and other emergency response services.

For the first time, services from Charlton, Sturbridge and Southbridge came together in a joint meeting with local political leaders, health care personnel and members of the Commonwealth Emergency Management team to review risks, to evaluate our abilities and learn to coordinate our responses. With a new urgency to study possible biological and chemical accidents and potential threats of terrorism, the hospital accepted yet another vital community service.

Our efforts helped to create the Tri-Epic Group which now meets on a regular basis. This initial effort was one of the first in Massachusetts and is now used as a model for other communities in Massachusetts. The group continues to work at improving the emergency response of our systems. It has provided numerous training sessions and through grant funding, it was able to provide an instructional video tape for all emergency personnel throughout our service area and make a comprehensive assessment of our area.

As it develops, Tri-Epic will grow to include even more community based organizations and will become the driving force for preparedness and community response.