Vergennes, VT – Local emergency response and law enforcement agencies will participate in an emergency preparedness drill at University of Vermont Health Network – Porter Medical Center’s Primary Care – Vergennes office next week.

The drill will run from Noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, at the practice’s 10 North Street offices in Vergennes, as well as in the facility’s parking lot and drive-up area. The office will be closed during this time. The drill will not impact vehicle or pedestrian traffic in the area, hospital officials said.

Emergency preparedness leaders at Porter Medical Center said the primary goal of the exercise, which will simulate a realistic emergency scenario, is to test the hospital’s emergency response plans, communication protocols and interagency coordination in response to potential emergency situations.

“Preparedness exercises like this are essential for identifying strengths and areas for improvement in our emergency plans,” said Beth Winter, emergency preparedness specialist at Porter Medical Center. “It also gives our personnel the opportunity to practice their skill in a controlled but realistic environment.

The drill will include participation from local police. Members of the public may notice increased police presence in the area – including emergency vehicles, personnel and other operations related to the exercise.

Hospital officials emphasized that residents should not be alarmed and said both they and local police were focused on minimizing any disruption. Planning for the exercise was focused on minimizing impacts to patients at the primary care office, which will continue to observe regular business hours before and after the drill.