Why you'll see first responders and 'mock injuries' at Metro Vancouver campuses this week
Although it may seem alarming, there is no need to panic if you see firefighters, police officers, and the Canadian Armed Forces arrive at Metro Vancouver campuses this week.
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is conducting its bi-annual Disaster Day, a full-scale emergency response training exercise across its main and satellite campuses on Wednesday, June 11.
Officials from other post-secondary institutions, local and provincial governments, and first responder organizations come together every second year at BCIT to observe and participate in Disaster Day.
It is one of Burnaby’s largest disaster preparedness events, with approximately 50 organizations observing or participating in this year’s earthquake scenario.
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“With recent earthquake occurrences throughout the Lower Mainland, this exercise simulates many factors of a real disaster that allow BCIT and local emergency response teams to apply their training and enhance readiness for real emergencies,” said Amy Chen, media and communications specialist for BCIT.
A few of the organizations taking part in BCIT Disaster Day 2025 include:
- Burnaby RCMP
- Burnaby Fire Department
- St. John’s Ambulance
- EMT Safety Planners
- BC Housing
- Canadian Forces Trauma Training Centre (West)/1 Canadian Field Hospital,
- Canadian Armed Forces/Government of Canada
- City of Burnaby Emergency Management
- BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS)
- BC Post-Secondary Education Emergency Planners (BCPSEP)
- Justice Institute of BC
- GetSet Solutions Ltd.
BCIT
This year’s scenario will begin with a fictional earthquake of magnitude 7.2 striking the Lower Mainland at 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11.
“Damage” to several Burnaby campus buildings will be significant, and many employees and students are already on site due to a large event at BCIT.
A total of 20 volunteer casualty actors will also participate in the Disaster Day event, assisting in training emergency response teams in various scenarios throughout the day.
Light search and rescue teams in high-visibility gear will comb through rubble, an animal response team will search for survivors, and the RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft systems) team will operate drones to support the response.
BCIT
“Members of the public and the campus community may encounter situations resembling a real disaster, including mock injuries and hazards, on this day. Do not be alarmed.”
BCIT has a fully functional Emergency Operations Centre (EOCs) at the Burnaby Campus, as well as two alternate EOCs from which to manage an emergency event such as an earthquake.
The campus also has an Incident Command Centre, located inside a 50-foot trailer, and six blue emergency response depots stocked with safety equipment and supplies.