MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. — Heavy rain on Tuesday morning threw another challenge at first responders training for a plane crash. However, fire crews and EMS used the simulation and responded as if it was the real thing.
"Every three years we're required by FAA regulation to do a full scale emergency response exercise to hold our airport certificate for passenger air services," said Ken Efting, the director of the Muskegon County Airport.
The simulation was a joint effort between fire, police, EMS and the airport. While responding to the scene and working on victims was a big part of it, staff also set up a press conference as if the incident was real.
"At this time the scene is secured and is safe, and NTSB is mobilizing a team and the incident is under further investigation," said Efting during the fake press conference.
The crash scenario involved seven victims who were on a single prop plane.
Norton Shores Fire Chief Bob Gagnon explained why the training is important on their end.
"We do want to make sure that all of our staff are adequately trained, and we do have a turnover of staff occasionally so that's why what we do on an annual basis, we hit all of the key points that are required by the FAA so that when an incident does happen, or we do this tri-annual exercise, everybody is ready to go in the event of an actual emergency," said Gagnon.
As the Muskegon County Airport plans for growth, upgrades, and a new airline that will offer flights to Chicago, Efting said preparing for emergency scenarios is critical.
"As it relates to this exercise, different larger aircraft coming in, Norton Shores fire is going to get an opportunity to do specific training and familiarization before they get started here on November first," said Efting.