A major training exercise was held at Aberdeen International Airport on September 27 in partnership with Bristow Helicopters and emergency service partners to test the coordinated response to a complex airside incident.
The scenario recreated a collision between a fuel bowser and a Bristow helicopter on the airport ramp, resulting in multiple simulated casualties and requiring a coordinated response from emergency services and specialist airport teams.
Crews from the Airport Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland as well as personnel from Bristow Helicopters and the airport worked together to rehearse how they would respond to and manage a major incident within an operational airport environment.
Additional participants included specialist response teams and members of the wider airport community, all of whom played a role in delivering the exercise scenario and response.
According to the airport, the scenario enabled teams to practice firefighting and rescue operations, casualty care, command and control structures, emergency communications and integrated multi-agency response plans. It also supported ongoing assurance and preparedness processes across the airport community.
The exercise formed part of ongoing emergency preparedness activities and provided a realistic opportunity to test operational procedures, communications, command structures and multi-agency coordination.
Robert Paterson, operations director at Aberdeen International Airport, said, “Safety remains our highest priority, and exercises such as this are essential in ensuring we are prepared to respond effectively to any situation that may arise.
“Working alongside Bristow and our emergency service partners allows us to test our plans, strengthen our procedures and reinforce the strong collaborative relationships that are vital during any major incident,” he continued.
“The professionalism shown by everyone involved throughout the exercise highlights the commitment across the airport community to maintaining the highest standards of safety and resilience.”
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