Iowa Wing News Online
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Civil Air Patrol Participates in Linn County Coordinated Emergency Airport Disaster Drill
By Capt Bruce Tiemann
19 Civil Air Patrol cadets from the East Iowa Cadet Squadron were among more that 120 'victims' of a simulated airliner crash landing at the Eastern Iowa Airport as part of a full-scale disaster drill conducted by the Linn County Emergency Management Agency. The scenario involved Trans Global Airlines flight 953, a Boeing 737 that lost power in one engine due to a collision with a flock of ducks en route from Chicago to Denver at approximately 0845 hours local time. Twelve minutes later, the aircraft lost power in its remaining engine while attempting an emergency landing at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids and impacted 50 feet short of the runway, splitting the fuselage into two sections and spreading debris and passengers over a quarter-mile stretch of the airport's runway.
The drill involved virtually every emergency response agency in Linn County and took place on a closed section of the runway. Motor coaches represented pieces of the plane's fuselage and the 'victims' were assigned injuries, outfitted with realistic moulage 'wounds', and placed amidst luggage, debris and personal effects scattered along the runway.
"Even though most of our cadets 'died' in the disaster simulation, it provided us with an invaluable, up-close look at how emergency responders react to a major mass casualty disaster," said Capt Bruce Tiemann, Squadron Commander. "In addition, we had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the various emergency service providers of Linn County, which was very beneficial to us and we hope to them as well."
The drill was carefully coordinated with the Eastern Iowa Airport, and announcements were made over the public address system alerting passengers at the airport terminal to the presence of emergency vehicles and casualties on the runway. Dozens of fire trucks, law enforcement vehicles and ambulances, including the area Lifeflight air ambulance, participated in the exercise.
Cadet Luke Conrad receives treatment for a compound leg fracture and shock at the makeshift triage area set up adjacent to the simulated crash. 19 cadets from the 78th Cadet Squadron took part in the exercise at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids on 21 May.
'Victims' like cadet Andy Tiemann were briefed for their roles and "bloodied up" with realistic moulage injuries.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Cadet CMSgt Aisha Grieme watches the crowd as performer Steve Fallon gets out of his aircraft after his aerobatic performance at the Cherokee Airshow
Northwest Iowa Flight supported the Cherokee Airshow and Fly-In this year. The organizers asked CAP to help marshall aircraft and provide security during their airshow. Four NW Iowa cadets and four NW Iowa officers participated in the event as aircraft marshallers and crowd line security.
