What Happens During a Simulated Emergency Exercise at Kolkata Airport?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive drills enhance emergency preparedness.
- Involvement of multiple agencies fosters inter-agency coordination.
- Regular training helps meet aviation safety benchmarks.
- Mock incidents simulate real-life emergency scenarios.
- Commitment to safety is crucial in aviation operations.
Kolkata, May 29 (NationPress) A simulated emergency exercise, commonly referred to as a hot fire drill, was executed at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on Thursday, as per a statement from the airport's Corporate Communications Department.
The statement noted that this drill is integrated into the airport's routine monthly emergency preparedness protocol, commencing at 3:48 p.m. under the supervision of Airport Director P.R. Beuria.
"A hot fire drill represents a comprehensive emergency simulation where various agencies fulfill their assigned roles, mirroring a real-life aircraft emergency. These exercises are vital for validating emergency response plans, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and boosting readiness across the phases of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery," the statement highlighted.
As detailed in the statement, the exercise engaged 16 Aircraft Rescue And Fire Fighting (ARFF) personnel along with nine members of the Central Industrial Security Force.
The operation involved two ARFF vehicles and two ambulances, with a mock aircraft crash orchestrated within the airport grounds to replicate a high-pressure emergency situation, as per the press release.
The primary goal was to meet the established response time of 138 seconds from the initial alert and to control the fire within one minute, a crucial benchmark in aviation safety.
"Ongoing and diligent training allows teams to achieve these demanding objectives effectively. The leadership of Beuria ensures that Kolkata Airport remains committed to maintaining safety through realistic and impactful emergency preparedness exercises," the statement concluded.