Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, and several other Puget Sound area hospitals were among the participants this week in a national counter-terrorism drill.

The drill began May 12 when homeland security officials simulated a dirty-bomb explosion south of downtown Seattle. The drill continued May 13 as Chicago hospitals saw virtual patients portraying symptoms related to a fictitious release of pneumonic plague.

The drill, named Top Off 2 for "top officials," was a chance for federal, state, and local officials to practice responding to multiple terrorist attacks. The drill also involved the American Red Cross and the Canadian government.

Seattle's scenario began in a stage setting constructed in an empty field. The props included smashed cars, overturned buses, and building debris. Emergency responders searched for casualties in the rubble. The first firefighters and police officers at the scene were decontaminated just as if they had been exposed to radiation. 150 actors played injured patients, of whom 92 were seen at area hospitals.

Among the disaster responses activated at Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center were command center operations; internal and interagency communications; triage, radiation detection and decontamination; provider, patient and visitor safety; psychological care; family counseling; comfort care for dying victims; police security; emergency department care; surgical care; minor injury care; patient transportation; admission and discharge coordination; media relations; medical records; translator services; supply delivery; housekeeping; vehicular traffic flow; facility lockdown; credentialing, and many other support efforts.

Observers evaluated the drill. Each afternoon, officials reviewed the day’s activities. Next month, a two-day conference is planned to review lessons learned. A government report will be submitted in September.