Illinois Aviation Attorneys

O’Hare International Airport Holds A Full-Scale Emergency Response Disaster Drill

(CHICAGO)  September 20, 2002  The City of Chicago Department of Aviation will conduct a full scale emergency response disaster drill on Saturday, September 21, at O'Hare International Airport.

This requirement to test airport/airfield emergency response is mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration, and is a condition precedent to U.S. airports' operating certification by FAA standards. Each certificate holder must coordinate its emergency plan with local law enforcement agencies, rescue and firefighting agencies, medical personnel and hospital organizations, principal airport tenants, and all other entities that have responsibility under the plan.

O'Hare International Airport is required to hold a full scale airport emergency plan exercise at least once every three years. The last full scale exercise held at O'Hare was in 1999. Tabletop exercises are conducted annually to ensure that all information, procedures and training are current. The ability to successfully respond to any emergency depends on the cooperation and partnership among the various agencies.

"Safety and security continue to be priorities at the highest levels, said aviation commissioner Thomas R. Walker." Disaster preparedness and emergency response training with all of our emergency response providers is an integral part of our daily operation."

The drill involves the coordination and support from several suburban fire department ambulance and engine companies from surrounding companies.

O'Hare's fire rescue and state-of-the-art burn pit airport training facility is the best in the country, and firefighters throughout the nation and suburban fire companies come to O'Hare International Airport to gain first hand experience in rescue activities.

"The Chicago Fire Department welcomes the opportunity to train with other agencies to ensure that our communication and response continue to be top-notch," said fire commissioner James T. Joyce. "We learn a lot from these drills and the experience gives us a greater edge in preparedness."

The Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council, an association of more than 130 hospitals, will also designate 10 local hospitals to test emergency response procedures in which hospital personnel will practice identifying injuries and medical conditions of injured passengers. Volunteers from the Great Lakes Naval Base will serve as victims in the scenario, with injuries simulated through "moulaging," a technique that uses theatrical makeup.

The Illinois Department of Health will be joining this year's drill as a new responding agency. In the event of a disaster the state implements a medical disaster plan that activates 220 state hospitals and medical response teams.

A full scale crisis plan exercise is required by the FAA under Part 139 of the Federal Aviation Regulations in order to maximize safety at the airport in the event of an emergency.

Airport terminals will make announcements to passengers indicating that the disaster drill is taking place. The drill will have no impact on routine airport operations.

Contact an Aviation Attorney in Illinois to find out more about your legal rights.