The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

THE Lynden Pindling International Airport’s emergency response will be put to the test this morning with a “full-scale drill” comprising a stimulated plane crash.

In a press statement issued yesterday morning, the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) said the exercise will include role-playing of passengers, airline crew, family members of crash victims, emergency response agencies, and airport employees in an effort to evaluate emergency response.

“International Civil Aviation Organization regulations require all airports to establish an emergency plan commensurate with the aircraft operations and other activities conducted at the airport,” NAD said.

“It is further required that this plan be tested by conducting a full-scale emergency exercise every two years.”

Approximately 200 persons will participate in the simulated crash scene, including the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Civil Aviation Department, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Airport Authority, MED Evac, JetBlue, Bahamas Red Cross Society, Princess Margaret Hospital, Doctors Hospital, New Providence Community Church, and NAD.

NAD’s Public Safety team will be organising the drill, which is expected to last approximately four hours, they said. NAD also noted the drill is “not expected” to affect air travel at the airport.

“Travellers are urged to continue with their scheduled travel plans. NAD is advising members of the public not to be alarmed by the emergency response vehicles in the vicinity of the airport during the drill,” NAD said.

In the press statement, Frank Walker, director of Airside Operations & Public Safety, explained that the drill is a way to “test the soundness of the emergency plan” including the response of all agencies involved and the quality and effectiveness of the emergency equipment and communications at LPIA.

“Our success in a real emergency depends on how agencies work together and execute specific tasks. This is the third exercise since NAD’s existence and after every drill we are able to learn what works and identify areas for improvement,” he said.