Plane Crash Drill Helps Emergency Responders Prepare For Real Incident

Thursday September 20, 2012 11:13 AM
UPDATED: Thursday September 20, 2012 6:31 PM

First responders and hospitals conducted a plane crash simulation Thursday morning to help prepare for the real thing.  The exercise focused on coordination between local and county emergency responders in case of a radiological incident.

The mock disaster simulated a plane on its way to an airport in Chicago crashing at Bolton Field. When firefighters respond, they realize, through quick tests, that people nearby are exposed to some sort of radioactive material.

The Columbus Bomb Squad determines it is a radioactive bomb. Dozens from the scene of the crash, as well as those attending a nearby soccer game, are washed over and taken to 10 local hospitals for treatment - some by ambulance and some by helicopter.

Volunteers and actors played the roles of injured, media and concerned citizens to help the actual police, fire and emergency workers with the training.  Volunteer Brandon Price said that he thought the drill was a valuable experience.

"I want to go into emergency medicine, so it's kind of a cool idea to play the victim for once, because we're going to be the ones treating them in the future, so it gives you a different perspective and helps you put yourself in their shoes," Price said.

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