“Each emergency service will respond differently and in accordance with their individual emergency response plans. We know that it usually takes around 15 minutes for external agencies to arrive on site, so our on-site rescue fire service helps to bridge that gap before assisting as part of any ongoing inter-agency response.”
Nock forewarned any passengers turning up early for their flight on Tuesday could expect to see the scene playing out and not to be alarmed by emergency vehicles, flashing lights and mock fires. People could also expect to potentially see volunteer actors looking injured or pretending to be passengers, also acting within the terminal.
The exercise will test all aspects of the AEP and agency tactical plans/frameworks relating to a crash scenario.
Fire and Emergency group manager Wayne Martin said the biannual exercise was a fantastic opportunity for Fire and Emergency to work alongside its emergency services partners in the Far North.
“It gives us the opportunity to ensure we are prepared should an emergency incident take place, and by reflecting on the exercise we are able to see what worked well, and if there are any areas we need to focus on.”
Hato Hone St John Far North area operations manager Leigh Knightbridge said taking part in the exercise was an opportunity for the ambulance service to work alongside its emergency service colleagues to prepare for an emergency.
“This exercise provides a great opportunity for us to test and practise our emergency procedures for a large-scale critical incident,” Knightbridge said.
All Air New Zealand flights will run as normal on the day.
Air New Zealand head of regional airports Rachel Lilley said, “the safety of our people and customers will always be our top priority and exercises are a great way to embed training and practice how agencies work together in the event of an emergency.”
