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Mock plane crash drills emergency responders

Thursday, August 07, 2008

http://www.nj.com

Trenton Times

ROBBINSVILLE -- Over 100 emergency responders are expected to take part in a training session that will simulate a plane crash along Robbinsville-Edinburgh Road near Robbinsville High School.

The drill, which will begin about 8 a.m. Friday, will involve firefighters, emergency medical personnel, police officers and other emergency personnel from Robbinsville and neighboring towns, as well as Mercer County emergency management officials, and the state police.

Students from Robbinsville High School's drama club will portray "victims" of the crash to add realism to the drill.

"A large-scale drill such as this will help create a more prepared and confident response during an actual event," Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said.

ROBBINSVILLE HOSTS MASS CASUALTY DRILL

Public, private agencies to take part in simulation of airplane crash

ROBBINSVILLE, N.J. – More than 100 first-responders from local, county, state and private agencies will take part in a large-scale drill simulating an airplane crash near Robbinsville High School, an exercise that will give emergency response professionals a chance to operate with all the elements of an incident command structure.

The drill will take begin at approximately 8 a.m. on August 8 near Robbinsville High School, located on Robbinsville-Edinburgh Road (County Route 526). The scenario will involve a plane crash near the high school with a debris field, a high number of injuries, as well as the elements of collecting and distributing accurate information.

“This drill offers an opportunity for our police officers and firefighters to work together as they would if disaster struck,” said Mayor Dave Fried, who will be on hand in his capacity as Director of Public Safety. “Since we are home to the Trenton-Robbinsville Airport, this is a scenario that could happen, and we will be ready. I’m proud of our first responders for taking the initiative to organize this.”

First response agencies taking part will include Robbinsville police, fire and EMS; Mercer County’s Office of Emergency Management, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, West Windsor CERT, as well as ambulance teams from Robert Wood Johnson, The drill will also involve the New Jersey State Police helicopters and canine units from Robbinsville Police.

Students from the Robbinsville High School Drama Team will be among the volunteers portraying accident victims. The students will receive assignments prior to the start of the drill.

Robbinsville’s Public Works employees will also simulate the roles they would have if a disaster occurred. Other Robbinsville staff members have volunteers to take part as accident victims or their parents.

The drill will offer an opportunity to deploy the Mercer County Incident Command Vehicle, a trailer purchased by the County to serve as a headquarters during a large-scale disaster of this type.

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