The Hawai'i National Guard held its most comprehensive hurricane exercise yesterday at Kahuku Medical Center, combining all elements that would be involved in the event of a real hurricane.

The event, part of the Makani Pahili hurricane exercise being conducted by the state as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, simulated the actual procedures that would be used should the North Shore be damaged by a significant storm.

It took into account search and rescue needs, chemical spills and knocked-out power and phone lines. Guardsmen employed a CH-47 helicopter and chemical response team and were assisted by nurses, firefighters and police officers.

This year marked the first time Kahuku Medical Center was part of the Guard's exercise.

"We've never done anything on this scale before," said Lt. Col. Chuck Anthony, public affairs officer. In addition to the center, the exercise involved the Honolulu police and fire departments, as well as cooperation from the Polynesian Cultural Center and Brigham Young University-Hawai'i.

During a hurricane, the Kahuku community would have to join forces with emergency responders, so having a collaborative exercise makes sense, said the medical center's administrator, Lance Segawa. The center would be the point medical facility during an emergency on the North Shore, he said.

To address the hypothetical loss of communication, the Guard flew in a group of communications reinforcements from California that would give civilians cell phone service, landlines and Internet access.

The Guardsmen present were trained in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear emergencies. Community volunteers and Guardsmen were rushed through several medical tents on gurneys, posing as mock victims, as Guardsmen in full-body chemical suits decontaminated them and tended to fake injuries.

One soldier called aloud to ask whether anyone spoke French as she took care of one patient, a civilian volunteer.

"I don't think she really speaks French," said Spec. Katie Gray, looking on. "Sometimes people have a little too much fun being victims."

Some were brought up to the medical center, where mock patients filled the entrance.

One nurse rushed through the crowd with an empty gurney.

"We've got a real one this time," she said, referring to one of a few Guardsmen that day that nearly passed out under the hot sun in thick chemical suits.

The Guard took care not to let the exercise interfere with any incoming or current patients, Segawa said.

Tents and trailer were set up across the medical center's field, and the helicopter landing drew a crowd.

But as for the real-life operations at Kahuku, "it was an uneventful day," Segawa said.