Medical Teams, First Responders Hone Disaster Skills In Fake Bombing Drill

SAN PEDRO (CBSLA.com) — First responders participated in a mock disaster drill at a South Bay hospital Friday morning involving a fake bombing.

Planned for more than a year, the disaster drill was held at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro at 8 a.m. and included participants from emergency response agencies.

"The horrific bombing at the Boston Marathon and the explosion in West, Texas, last week are solemn reminders of the need for hospitals and first responders to train for disaster," officials said.

The mock disaster stemmed from an unknown natural bomb blast and included more than 100 victims and a unified command center staffed with law enforcement and medical personnel.

"We have a combined incident command center today that will include the Torrance Fire Department, LA County Fire Department, LA City Fire Department and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department as well as Providence Little Company of Mary San Pedro employees," nurse Colleen Wyllie said.

Healthcare volunteers from across the state who want disaster training also participated.

The drill was completed at 10 a.m.