Preparing, just in case

Disaster response training takes place at the Cranbrook airport

1 of 3Cranbrook firefighters were among the first responders at a simulated disaster at Canadian Rockies International Airport, just north of Cranbrook, B.C. — Marie Milner photo

2 of 3Drama students from Mount Baker Senior Secondary school participated in a simulated disaster at Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook, B.C. — Marie Milner photo

3 of 3B.C. Ambulance Service volunteers participated in a simulated disaster at Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook, B.C. — Marie Milner photo

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In order to refine and practise emergency procedures and to satisfy Transport Canada regulatory requirements, Canadian Rockies International Airport (CRIA) conducts an annual table-top emergency response planning session, involving a representative from each agency mentioned in the airport’s emergency plan. As well, every four years a full-scale emergency response exercise is required.

Staged disaster

On September 9, 2013, members of various agencies volunteered their time to participate in a disaster training session at CRIA just north of Cranbrook. Involved were the B.C. Ambulance Service, the Cranbrook Fire Department, the local RCMP detachment, Air Canada Express, Pacific Coastal Airlines, Impalla Security Services, the City of Cranbrook, Canadian Rockies International Airport, Navcanada, Regional District of East Kootenay and Cranbrook Search & Rescue (SAR). The staged event simulated a hijacking, which progressed into an aircraft crash that involved significant damage to the aircraft and injury to the passengers.

A dozen students from the drama club at Cranbrook’s Mount Baker Senior Secondary School participated in the mock disaster, acting as live "victims" and family members requiring care from the emergency response teams and support from airport personnel.

Jamie Roche, airport operations superintendent, said that Transport Canada does not send a representative to observe, but does review the exercise plan and the minutes.

“We had supervisors present from the airport, airline, police, fire, ambulance and SAR,” said Roche. “They will all assess the performance of their individual agencies and disseminate lessons learned to their members.”

Skills they hope never to need

Ambulance personnel complimented the acting abilities of the students, and the students said they were impressed with the calm and focus demonstrated by the emergency response teams. While the exercise was fun for the students, they gained some insights as well.

“You shouldn’t panic,” said one student. “Panic is contagious, and it can make everybody crazy.”

The ambulance team agreed that this was a valuable exercise, and said they wish they were never faced with serious real-life situations requiring their disaster-response skills.