Being totally prepared in an emergency isn’t often possible but that doesn’t stop local professionals from training as best they can. For example, a mock airplane crash held last week at the Vernal Regional Airport provided valuable experience for local law enforcement agencies, fire, central dispatch, Classic medical helicopter, Gold Cross Ambulance, TSA, airport personnel, and staff from both area hospitals. The FAA requires the airport to do a large training every three years and this year was a mass casualty exercise imitating what would happen if a plane crashed, explains airport manager Ken Campbell. The agencies worked very well together and there were no glaring and large issues identified. After the exercise was complete the group talked about what worked well and what didn’t and a deeper review will be held this week. “It really turned out fabulous,” shares Campbell. “I’m just grateful for the support of all the agencies and local leaders for these ongoing learning experiences.” Well done to all the local emergency responders and agencies that do so much to train and keep the community safe.
