Berlin, NH – September 23, 2026 – On September 17, 2026, Androscoggin Valley Hospital (AVH) held a critical mass casualty drill with local emergency and first responder partners to strengthen coordination, communication, and preparation for emergency events in the Berlin-Gorham area.
The drill brought together partners from AVH’s emergency department, NH Fish & Game, local and state police departments, and emergency medical services (EMS) and fire departments from Berlin, Gorham, and Milan.
“We’re so grateful for our partners who came together to make this an effective training for all involved,” said Steven Legge, North Country Healthcare’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. “It’s so important that, in events like these, we know each other, know each other’s protocols, and know how we can work together effectively,” added Jillian Hallgren, AVH’s Emergency Department Nurse Manager.
The drill staged a fatal utility task vehicle (UTV), or side-by-side, accident at the intersection of Hutchins Street and Success Pond Road in Berlin, and extended into the first hour of emergency care, allowing AVH’s emergency department, surgical services, and ancillary and therapeutic teams to test procedures and ensure preparedness.
“Being prepared for these types of incidents is absolutely critical,” said Tiffany Haynes, North Country Healthcare’s Chief Nursing Officer. “It’s one thing to know what to do, but it’s another thing to be prepared to put that knowledge into action in real-life situations.”
“Trainings like these, with the actual vehicles involved, out in the world, are so beneficial to our incredible staff and partners,” said Tammy Berthiaume, North Country Healthcare’s Director of Emergency Services. “As for this specific scenario, we have a huge off-road community in our region. Accidents happen. We must be prepared to be there for our neighbors.”
Part of an ongoing effort to prepare first responders and partner organizations for complex emergencies, the drill also strengthens AVH’s Level IV Trauma Center status, a designation attained at the beginning of 2026. As a designated Level IV Trauma Center, AVH maintains 24/7 emergency department coverage; advanced trauma life support trained providers; trauma assessment, stabilization, and resuscitation capabilities; established transfer protocols with regional Level I–III trauma centers; and ongoing trauma education, performance improvement, and community outreach. AVH will continue collaborating with local emergency medical services, law enforcement, and regional trauma centers to enhance trauma readiness and improve injury prevention efforts throughout the community.