Published May 09. 2024 07:52AM
by DEBRA PALMIERI dpalmieri@tnonline.com
More than 219 personnel from 40 agencies participated in a full-scale disaster drill at Lehigh Valley International Airport April 27.
The Federal Aviation Administration requires airports to conduct these exercises once every three years.
Taking part in the event were firefighters, emergency medical services and law enforcement agencies during a simulated emergency scenario involving an aircraft.
Some 70 volunteer role players, wearing makeup to simulate injuries, assisted with the exercise.
“The exercise must achieve FAA standards while providing hands-on training necessary for airport personnel and local emergency organizations to practice and prepare for a mutual aid response in the event of a major aircraft disaster at ABE,” Thomas R. Stoudt, executive director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, said on the airport’s webpage.
PRESS PHOTOS BY SCOTT M. NAGY A Woodlawn Fire Company engine stands ready to serve next to the plane used for the simulated emergency drill at Lehigh Valley International Airport April 27.
Firefighters assist “passengers” from the plane during the emergency drill.
Firefighters carry an “injured passenger” from the plane on a stretcher.
