Emergency exercise success for Cranfield University and community services
8/17/2010 4:34 AM EST
Cranfield University created a disaster scenario last week to assess the co-ordination of the campus’s emergency plan in the event of a plane crash.
The bi-annual exercise saw seven organisations take part to highlight the effectiveness of the communications within the University’s airport fire service and interagency organisations.
The two-hour scenario involved a bird strike on an aircraft which resulted in the loss of engine power and vibration and handling problems. The incident had sixteen casualties.
To make it more realistic, an exercise plane was set on fire and another plane was parked next to it to make it look like they had crashed.
Ken Lampard, Cranfield’s Station Manager, said: “The exercise is worthwhile as it brings local emergency services together, strengthening our communication lines and resulting in better outcomes of any future emergency situations. It is a hands-on way of training ourselves for every eventuality. The most important thing is to get emergency services on site ASAP to rescue and treat any casualties and then assess the outcome of the response and communication. Selecting and utilising the correct tactics and techniques is essential.”
The emergency services involved were Cranfield Airport, Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, East of England, Ambulance and Paramedic Service, Bedfordshire Police, St Johns and Casualties Union.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR
Cranfield University is a wholly postgraduate institution with a worldwide reputation for excellence and expertise in aerospace, automotive, defence, engineering, environment and water, health, management and manufacturing. The University is made up of the following Schools: Cranfield Health, School of Management, School of Applied Sciences, School of Engineering, and Cranfield Defence and Security at Shrivenham. For more information visit www.cranfield.ac.uk For further information please contact: Naomie Stanford-Jones, Media Relations Executive, Cranfield University, tel: +44 (0) 1234 754999 Media Relations– Corporate Communications Building 30 Cranfield University Cranfield Bedfordshire MK43 0AL
Tel: +44 (0) 1234 754999
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Website: www.cranfield.ac.uk