California State University Channel Islands campus will be the site of Operation Sunrise, a medical surge exercise on July 25 and 26. Emergency responders from throughout Ventura County including the University Police Department will participate in this 36-hour exercise, which will focus on the skills needed in a medical surge emergency.

Operation Sunrise is a fictional exercise to simulate a terrorist attack. Emergency responders will simulate crimes scenes and treat volunteers playing the role of victims of the mock attack. The response of various emergency responders will be as realistic as possible. Area hospitals, city and county police, fire and emergency teams, state and local officials, government agencies, and private sector partners will be participating in Operation Sunrise.

Those who participate in this activity, including our University police officers and campus emergency operations committee, will improve their skills for disaster response and understanding of the function and operations of a mass care shelter, explained University Police Chief John Reid. This exercise also will focus on improving response time in an emergency situation.

The areas on the campus where this exercise will take place will be clearly marked. It is possible this exercise may create a minor disruption in daily campus routines due to increased traffic and noise.

Operation Sunrise is a simulation of a terrorist attack. Residents are encouraged by local, state, and national agencies to be prepared in the event of a real attack. Preparedness includes having a first aid kit, making a plan, and being informed. For more information about preparing for an emergency, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.

For media inquires about CSUCIs involvement in Operation Sunrise contact Nancy Gill, Director of Communication & Marketing at CSUCI, 805-437-8456 or nancy.gill@csuci.edu.

For more information or media inquiries about Operation Sunrise contact Dan Wall, VCPH training and Education Coordinator, 805-981-5397 or Dan.wall@ventura.org

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CSU Channel Islands is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.