Simulated Aircraft Crash Drill - Webster Field
 
By Firefighter Edward (Eddie) Raley
May 16, 2023
 

The Ridge Volunteer Fire Department was invited by Naval District Washington Fire Department (NDWFD) to attend a simulated aircraft crash aboard Webster Outline Field. Ridge fire units as well as Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad and NDWFD were dispatched at approximately 10:45am for a reported military V-22 aircraft down. Units arrived on the scene and found the Mobile Aircraft Fire Training Device (MAFTD) that is used to simulate aircraft training, on fire with several victims laying nearby. Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) foam apparatus from NDWFD quickly set up on the front of the aircraft and started the initial fire attack. Engine 141 and Tanker 4 established water supply while crews from Engine 41 and Foam 145 quickly deployed a handlines and began interior extinguishment. Two training dummies were pulled from the aircraft and taken to the triage area. Once rescue efforts were complete and the fire was extinguished, crews began assisting EMS with triage and treatment of seven total victims. Many patients were requested to be flown to an area trauma center where MSP Trooper 7 and UNSN SAR also participated.

With a combined effort from many fire, rescue and aviation organizations and Naval entities, the drill was a success. Our members learned many aircraft firefighting and rescue techniques. We would like to thank Patuxent Naval Air Station and NDWFD for the invite.

(The application of foam was simulated on this exercise)