RAWALPINDI: A full-scale emergency drill was conducted on Friday at Bahawalpur International Airport to test and review various departments and agencies involved in emergency response coordination efforts.

Using a passenger bus to simulate a plane crash, the two-phase drill — named Aviation Rescue-222 — involved extinguishing a fuel-lit fire in the first phase and evacuating and providing medical aid to the injured in the second phase, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement.

Civil Aviation, PIA, Islamia University, UAV Squadron 51, ASF, CMH, Edhi Ambulance Services, Rescue 1122, Victoria and Sadiq Mehr Hospitals, City Fire Brigade, and Civil Defence collaborated in responding to the plane crash emergency.

The Pakistan Army Aviation Bahawalpur also took part in the drill by providing a helicopter and a skilled team to transfer casualties to hospitals. Judges from Army Aviation, UAV Squadron 51, ASF, and PIA evaluated the exercise for effectiveness of emergency procedures and identified areas for improvement.

The spokesman said representatives from the Pakistan Army, hospital administrations, and district administrations witnessed the drills and appreciated the performance of the participating agencies.

Certificates of participation were awarded to agencies involved, recognising their efforts and emergency response capabilities. The spokesperson said that conducting such drills is crucial to maintaining a high level of preparedness and ensuring the safety and well-being of all airport stakeholders.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2023