Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) will hold an emergency disaster drill on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to test the Airport Emergency Plan in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.

The primary purpose of the drill is to combine a series of emergency events designed to fully test the airport’s emergency response protocol as well as the emergency command and control functions.

The FAA requires IDA to conduct a mass casualty drill every three (3) years to test for emergency preparedness in the event of an actual aircraft incident.

A live crash simulation will be take place on the north end of runway 17/35 on a closed portion of the airfield. The drill will activate at 9 a.m. to test the response time and the ability of the on-airport fire department to extinguish the mock fire within 3 minutes from the initial call that an aircraft accident has happened.

Approximately 45 volunteer victims from Dr. Slaughter’s and the Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC) Nursing Program will participate in the exercise for additional emergency protocol exercise.

“This drill took a significant amount of time and effort to plan and coordinate, and we appreciate the cooperation we received from all entities involved,” states IDA Director, Craig Davis. Volunteers include individuals from Dr. Slaughter’s and the EITC Nursing Program, as well as the staff from Idaho Falls Fire Department, Idaho Falls Police Department, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, School District 93 transportation, Red Cross, Bonneville County Office of Emergency Management, dispatch, Aeromark, SkyWest Airlines, Quickflight and IDA.

Media note: The drill is a great learning opportunity in preparation for this summer’s events.  All media outlets are invited to observe the drill. Please RSVP in advance to Kerry Hammon, Public Information Officer at (208) 821-6321 or khammon@idahofallsidaho.gov. 

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