Ogle Airport tests emergency response in full-scale exercise
Director General of the GCAA, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Field
The Eugene F. Correia International Airport (EFCIA) at Ogle, ECD on Thursday conducted its full-scale Emergency Response Exercise in order to test mechanisms and preparedness ahead of any disasters.
This exercise, conducted within the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), saw crucial operational methods such as rescue methods, security posture, operational procedures, processing and triage of injured victims being assessed; and included a staged aircraft fire demonstration. More than 20 agencies and organisations from both the Public and Private Sectors were involved, including first responders and airport personnel.
Responders tending to a passenger during the exercise
Director-General of the GCAA, retired Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Field, noted that this exercise is extremely important when it comes to the safety and security of passengers. Enabling assistance as quickly as possible in the face of disasters is key, he added.
“Exercises like these really help the airport Fire Service, the medic, and all the stakeholders involved to learn what they may not be able to practise in real situations. They learn from this, so when it actually happens, they are properly coordinated and able to provide the kind of service which is required,” Field explained.
While the GCAA official expressed satisfaction at the way the exercise was conducted, he also hinted that there is always room for improvement. He explained that in executing these routine exercises, a serious approach should be employed as if it is an actual emergency.
“There are always areas that individuals can sharpen up on, but I will say that I was very much satisfied that the coordination of the team, time which the incident happened, and response was very good…I urge that should exercises like this be done in the future, and they are a part of it, that they should take the necessary serious approach of being quick-footed and also very swift.”
Representing the Guyana Fire Service in the exercise was Dwayne Meredith, who is in charge of the Ogle Fire Station. He said GFS personnel were “responding” to an aircraft overshooting a runway with 40 persons on board apart from the captain. As such, the GFS led the exercise to provide emergency response as if they were required to rescue the passengers and transport them to a safe location.
The live full-scale Emergency Response Exercise is held every two years. The purpose is to rehearse with all the organizations that would be involved in an actual emergency, and the intent is to evaluate the preparedness and capabilities of the airport, its tenants, and local response agencies.
