A prime position

Aircraftman Joseph Constantino, assisted by an Air Force Firefighter, makes a realistic casualty during the exercise. Photos by LAC Ricky Fuller

THE Air Force joined forces with the New South Wales ambulance, police, fire and state emergency services recently to test emergency procedures at RAAF Base Richmond.

Exercise Eagle Nest 02, the second crash exercise held at the base this year, focused on a simulated aircraft accident and was designed to test Richmond’s emergency response teams.

The exercise also measured the Air Force’s ability to work with personnel from the NSW Fire Service, NSW Rural Fire Brigade, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance Service, the Wentworth Area Health Service and the Western Sydney Area Health Service.

A mock accident involving a B-707 with 20 passengers on board formed the exercise’s centrepiece.
The exercise was as realistic as possible, with fires burning, simulated casualties, emergency vehicles and constant radio communication.

Members of the Flying Safety Officers course observed the exercise and provided positive feedback on the participants’ performance.

Observers from the local police, who were involved in disasters such as the Thredbo landslide and Grafton bus crash, also watched events unfold.

Their feedback will be used to assist RAAF Base Richmond conduct future exercises.

• By Ben Caddaye

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