YGK Airport hosts emergency training exercise

YGK Airport hosted a full-scale emergency training exercise on Tuesday, Nov. 4, involving a simulated aircraft crash and casualties on the runway. 

Participants included YGK Airport, the City of Kingston, Kingston Fire & Rescue, Frontenac Paramedics, Nav Canada, Transportation Canada and local airport partner groups.  

“Through this simulated crash, participating groups tested their emergency response capabilities and strengthened their skills to ensure readiness for real-life crises,” said Carli Mitchell, Supervisor of Operations & Administration at YGK Airport. “Facilitated by the Loomex Group, who are experts in emergency response procedure testing, this training exercise was well attended and highly successful. Our city now has even more responders prepared for large-scale emergencies.” 

An emergency simulation allows municipalities, airports, emergency services and partner groups to practice in advance of an event and utilize or further develop emergency response plans.  

The airport is required by Transport Canada to complete a full-scale emergency training exercise every four years. 

“An added benefit of hosting the emergency exercises is that we get to practice our communication skills and strengthen coordination among multiple agencies,” says Mitchell. “These drills create opportunities to establish relationships with people you may not normally work with and build trust that is crucial during real emergencies.”