BASF Wyandotte, First responders, and Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital Conduct Emergency Drill

BASF conducted a large-scale emergency response drill at the company’s Wyandotte Site that included employees, first responders, healthcare providers, and local government agencies. 

The drill, which took place on October 8, was designed to test emergency response procedures, communication systems and coordination among multiple agencies. BASF’s site emergency response team planned and coordinated the exercise with Wyandotte Fire Department, Wyandotte Police Department, Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, the City of Wyandotte, the Wayne County HazMat Team and the Downriver Emergency Response Team. 

Photo: BASF

“Emergency preparedness is a critical part of our commitment to safety,” said Michele Barney, BASF Wyandotte Site Director. “Exercises like this give us the opportunity to work side-by-side with our emergency response partners, practice our procedures and identify opportunities to strengthen our readiness.” 

Throughout the exercise, emergency response personnel carried out simulated response activities, allowing participants to evaluate decision-making, communications and resource coordination under realistic conditions. As part of the scenario, a simulated patient was transported to Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, giving healthcare professionals an opportunity to practice coordination with emergency responders and test response procedures in a realistic setting. 

“As a community hospital, Henry Ford Health has a responsibility to our patients to be ready for anything,” said Rand O’Leary, President of Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. “Participating in these emergency response drills helps us build strong relationships with our partners, first responders and other agencies while ensuring we can respond quickly and effectively. How we prepare today helps us provide confidence and resilience for our community tomorrow.” 

The exercise also provided an opportunity to strengthen mutual aid relationships and reinforce the coordination that is essential to protecting employees, neighbors and the broader community. By training together in a realistic scenario, participating organizations were able to evaluate how their procedures, communications and resources would align during an actual emergency. 

“Exercises like this are only successful because of the strong partnerships we have throughout our community,” said Barney. “We are grateful to the first responders, healthcare professionals, local officials and BASF employees who dedicated their time and expertise to this effort. Their collaboration helps ensure we are prepared to respond effectively and protect our employees, neighbors and the community.” 

Safety remains BASF’s highest priority. The company will continue to invest in training, preparedness activities and partnerships that help protect employees, the community and the environment. For more information about BASF in Michigan, visit www.basf.us/michigan.