Firefighters provided medical care to coach crash survivors during a multi-agency training exercise at Southampton Airport.
Crews worked alongside the airport’s own emergency response teams, Hampshire Constabulary, South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) and local authority planners.
The exercise scenario involved a coach crashing into a plane, with multiple volunteers pretending to be injured, dazed and in distress.
More than 30 firefighters from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) took part on Wednesday night (3 November), with engines from Eastleigh, Redbridge, St Mary’s and Romsey on the scene. HIWFRS’ Fire Control also had an important role to play.
Station Manager Phil Foxton said:
“Exercises like these are important because they test our ability to respond and work alongside partners in realistic and challenging ways.
“We were faced with a scenario involving multiple casualties in an unlit area of an operational airport. That brings challenges in terms of access and response, but our crews worked rapidly alongside colleagues to assess the injured and provide immediate emergency care.
“We were pleased to be able to work with Southampton Airport as it tested its procedures.”
Steve Szalay, Operations Director at Southampton Airport, said:
“We wish to thank our emergency service partners for taking part in this exercise.
“Safety is a huge priority at Southampton Airport and we are looking to ensure our readiness for any potential scenarios that come our way.
“Thank you to all the volunteers who also took part in this exercise.”
