The Augusta Regional Airport was busier than usual May 6, 2015, as area emergency responders conducted a live disaster drill to test response capabilities to a large-scale event. The drill was designed to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration’s requirement for airports to conduct a live emergency drill every 3 years.

The live disaster drill involved 100 volunteers who played roles of either passengers or victims and 25 local emergency personnel representing agencies from Richmond County, local hospitals and other community organizations. The drill simulated an explosion at the airport with various “casualties” who needed treatment and transport to local medical facilities. Responders and emergency responders who participated used Global Emergency Resources’ HC Standard® mobile patient tracking application on Apple™ iPad devices to capture patient injury and hospital destination information. 

“Training exercises like these are critical for emergency preparedness and give first responders practice with the tools they have available to them (like HC Standard®) for tracking and reunification of people affected by an airline or other mass casualty incident. The more realistic the drill, the more prepared responders are when the real event occurs,” says Erika Bobbitt, President of GER.