Mass Aquatic Casualty Emergency Operation
(M*A*C*E*O)

Multiple service agencies hone their skills by dealing with a multiple victim water related scenario. This event kicks off the official beach season and marks the culmination of the yearly Lifeguard Training Academy. M*A*C*E*O helps increase communication and effectiveness between agencies providing aid to the public. It also provides an opportunity to rehearse ways to better facilitate follow-up counseling and critical incident procedures for victims, their families, and emergency workers.

Participating Agencies in 2006 included:

• Galveston County Sheriff's Office Beach Patrol
• The Jesse Tree Survivor Support Network
• Galveston EMS
• Galveston County Sheriff's Office Marine Division
• Galveston Police Department Beach Parks Security
• Galveston Fire Department
• United States Coast Guard Group Galveston
• Galveston County Critical Incident Stress Management Team (sponsored
  by the Galveston County Firefighters Association
• PHI Air Medical
  

M*A*C*E*O 2008 will be held on May20^th at Stewart Beach. Call Galveston Island Beach Patrol for details.