Hundreds Of Volunteers, First Responders Take Part
On Saturday, DFW International Airport successfully staged its
triennial LifeSaver Drill to test the airport's response to an
emergency situation. The LifeSaver Drill 2008 exercise was based on
the airport's response to all of the potential aspects of an
explosion that encompasses both a terminal and airplane, including
aircraft and structure fires, rescues and recovery.
Within a few hours, DFW's emergency response teams had the
situation under control and were evaluating not only those wounded
in the scenario, but also next steps for action and the impact to
operations at the airport. A group of nine independent evaluators
from across the nation will issue their final grades on DFW's
response to the scenario over the next few weeks.
"This is the most extensive training and emergency exercise ever
conducted by DFW and our employees and key partners in the airport
community performed with professionalism, sensitivity and amazing
calm under very strenuous conditions," said Jim Crites, DFW
executive vice president of operations. "Everyone is well aware
that the consequences can be severe in airport-related emergencies,
and we need to use a holistic approach to protect lives and
preserve property. We did well and all learned a lot, and our
airport preparedness is certain to be even more improved."
The purpose of the drill is to exercise and evaluate DFW's
emergency response procedures. The process involved not only a mock
disaster site, but also activation of several phases of the
Airport's emergency functionality, including DFW's Emergency
Operations Center, Family Assistance Program and the Airport
Operations Center, along with mutual aid requests to area police
and fire agencies.
"Our training is always an ongoing learning process," said Alan
Black, DFW's Director of Public Safety. "We're constantly learning
new ways of responding to different types of emergencies, so we are
ready when an emergency happens."
More than 300 volunteers from across North Texas took part in
the LifeSaver drill, with many donning makeup to simulate injuries
to victims and survivors.
"We lead the nation and even teach emergency response techniques
to firefighters from around the world, but to actually have the
opportunity to train in this high intensity environment is a great
experience for everyone involved," said Brian McKinney, DFW's Fire
Chief. "It puts a lot more urgency into your training when you can
see the people you need to help right in front of you."
The Baylor Health Care System used the drill to test its Mass
Trauma Preparedness, and key response vehicles from area mutual aid
partners also took part to gauge their emergency response
procedures. American Airlines activated its CAARE Program team as
part of the drill.
DFW has staged and passed nine of these drills in its history.
The drill is staged every three years as required by the Federal
Aviation Administration as part of the Airport's ongoing safety
certification program.