On September 12, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) conducted the first virtual hospital emergency response simulation, H-RESPONDEX-LAC25, using the SIMEXamericas platform. The exercise brought together healthcare professionals from five South American countries—Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru—to participate simultaneously in a collaborative training environment.
SIMEXamericas is a virtual tool designed for emergency, disaster, and pandemic response simulations. It supports both virtual and hybrid formats, enabling participants to perform tasks and exchange messages in real time or asynchronously. This functionality allows for realistic, interactive exercises that enhance coordination and decision-making among participants.
The simulation focused on testing the Hospital Incident Command System (SCI-H) and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for triage, patient care, communications, and logistical support during a simulated building collapse involving multiple casualties. Key objectives included assessing hospital capacity to manage mass patient influxes, optimizing internal coordination and communication, activating emergency SOPs, and ensuring efficient resource distribution.
Participants included SCI-H personnel and emergency department decision-makers from prominent hospitals in the five countries, such as Pedro de Elizalde Children’s Hospital (Argentina), Padre Hurtado Hospital (Chile), El Tintal Hospital and Fundación Valle del Lili University Hospital (Colombia), Calderón Teaching General Hospital (Ecuador), and Villa El Salvador Emergency Hospital (Peru). Representatives from national emergency offices, along with regional evaluators and observers, also joined the exercise.
By simulating complex emergency scenarios, the exercise provided valuable insights into hospital preparedness, helping strengthen response planning and coordination across participating countries. The lessons learned are expected to improve emergency readiness and enhance regional cooperation in managing disasters and mass-casualty events.
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