The scenario for the drill involved the fictitious aircraft, which suffered an engine fire as it was taking off , causing it to abort the takeoff on the runway.
Though no fire was actually set, Airport Fire and Rescue trucks along with fire trucks from Concord, West McCracken, Lone Oak, Paducah Fire Departments responded to the scene to offer mutual aid and resource support. They sprayed water and fire suppressing foam to simulate activity during a real-life event.
Though no fire was actually set, Airport Fire and Rescue trucks along with fire trucks from Concord, West McCracken, Lone Oak, Paducah Fire Departments responded to the scene to offer mutual aid and resource support. They sprayed water and fire suppressing foam to simulate activity during a real-life event.
Approximately 20 volunteers played the part of passengers with a wide range of injuries, which were tended to by airport fire and rescue and Mercy EMS.
In addition, Airport Police, Paducah Police and McCracken County Sheriffs Department assisted with security. McCracken County Disaster and Emergency services provided support, and the county Emergency Operations Center was also activated for the drill and assisted as if it were a real event.
The American Red Cross provided relief services for first responders as well as the volunteers to make sure they stayed hydrated and fed during and after the exercise.
Among the specific areas that were tested, were multi-agency coordination, and communications, timing logistics,
"This drill will be very helpful in updating our emergency response procedures," said Airport Manager Richard Roof. " It was one of the more realistic drills we've ever had.
The FAA requires airports to conduct a full-scale drill every three years, with smaller emergency plan reviews occurring every year.
The FAA requires airports to conduct a full-scale drill every three years, with smaller emergency plan reviews occurring every year.
This drill will be a key component as the airport is in the process of revising their emergency plan. The information gained by Saturday's drill will help tell airport staff what works, what doesn't, and what needs to change, before they submit their revised plan to the FAA for approval later this year.
