Press Release
Consulate of the United States
1 Sandton Drive, Johannesburg
November 15, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information: Jennifer Bullock
27-11-290-3244 | 27-79-111-6224 | Bullockj@state.gov
ANNOUNCING U.S. CONSULATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE EXERCISE WITH JOHANNESBURG METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER PARTNERS
Johannesburg – On Friday, November 15, 2019, the United States Consulate in Johannesburg partnered with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Johannesburg Metro Emergency Services, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Netcare 911 Ambulance Service, Sandton Central Command, and other local authorities to conduct an emergency response exercise at the Consulate of the United States in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The exercise was fully coordinated in advance with these partners, as well as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to strengthen our planning cooperation and joint operational readiness in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. The drill was designed to simulate a “mass casualty” scenario, and to be as realistic as possible to those participating in the exercise.
“There is no substitute for practice, especially in mass casualty operations. We appreciate the cooperation of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Johannesburg Metro Emergency Services, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Netcare 911 Ambulance Service and Sandton Central Command. It is heartening to know that in an emergency, we have skilled partners working with us to aid consulate staff, visitors and neighbors” observed Michael McCarthy, United States Consul General.
Joint drills of this nature are routine exercises for U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to prepare as well as possible for emergencies, to promote staff readiness, and to protect the safety and security of local and American staff, as well as the local communities in which we operate.
The U.S. Mission to South Africa and in particular, the U.S Consulate team in Johannesburg expresses our sincerest gratitude and compliments to all of our South African partners in this important and potentially life-saving effort.
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