Mock disaster drill involves hundreds at Indy Airport
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Indianapolis International Airport will put its emergency plan to the test on Tuesday.
The airport exercise was a full-scale drill and involved airport workers, police and fire departments, hospitals, emergency personnel and even public businesses located in close proximity to the airport.
Approximately 100 volunteers portrayed victims and survivors in the mock disaster to help crews practice critical functions such as incident command and control, rescue methods and procedures, and triage of injured victims. The volunteers wore theatrical make-up to create mock wounds and injuries.
Tom Summerlin was a volunteer victim and discussed the importance of the drill.
“It’s very important because you never know when something will happen. You always think it will not happen to you, they thought that in San Francisco, it happened to them. We want to be prepared here, and this is the best way to do it,” Summerlin said.
Chief Rick Gentry, head of the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) fire department, said in a statement, “In partnering with multiple agencies, we’re able to provide a training that not only tests us, but also strengthen relationships within the community.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires the emergency exercise every three years.
Mike Medvescek, IAA senior director of operations and public safety, said in a statement, “For the IAA, this exercise goes far beyond meeting an FAA requirement.” He continued, “It allows us to take a critical look at our procedures, personnel, controls and so forth — and ensure we are continuing to do everything possible to be stringently prepared to respond to an aircraft disaster.”
An actual aircraft was staged at the scene of the exercise as well as separate live aircraft fire trainer.
“Training and planning is the best way for our first responders to prepare for a disaster situation,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said. “This multi-agency drill will ensure that if the unthinkable happens, our citizens will be served with a speedy, efficient response with collaboration and cooperation across agencies.”
The emergency exercise is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. Airport officials said normal airport operation will not be affected. Areas that will be heavily traveled by emergency vehicles are North Perimeter Road, West Perimeter Road and Hoffman Road.