GEORGE NEWS - "Initial evaluation of the performance of emergency services during a recent emergency aircraft crash simulation by George Airport has indicated that preparedness remains high and communication among different emergency services is effective."
That is the opinion of Senzeni Ndebele, Senior Manager: Corporate Affairs for regional airports at Airports Company South Africa. Emergency simulations are required to ensure that the airport remains compliant with international aviation safety protocols.
The International Civil Organisation (ICAO) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) recommend that member airports conduct a full-scale emergency exercise every two years to test the state of emergency preparedness of all stakeholders that work with the airport authority.
During the exercise, several sudden changes were introduced to simulate the confusion that typically accompanies any serious emergency.
The crisis simulation involved an aircraft "crash" at Herold's Bay with the tail in the water and the cockpit on the beach.
Divers from the National Sea Rescue Institute played the roles of crash victims that had to be rescued from the water. The scene was attended by George Airport's Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team, the SAPS and emergency services of the George Municipality.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
