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YARS hosts mock disaster drill
By Sean Barron
VIENNA
In the event of a major disaster, such as a large earthquake or a plane crash, perhaps the most-effective way to handle the aftermath is for responding agencies to practice three “C’s” among one another: communication, cooperation and collaboration.
All three were on display between the 910th Airlift Wing and the Northeast Ohio Region American Red Cross Lake to River chapter as both teamed up to conduct a simulated aircraft crash disaster training session Thursday at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station.
The second annual mock demonstration, “Feel the Heat,” was to demonstrate the reserve station’s first- responders’ high level of readiness as well as the daily work of ARC workers and volunteers in helping those who need their services after a disaster, noted Maj. Scott Julian, the airlift wing’s force support squadron commander.
“This is like you’re at a real crash event,” said Julian, referring to the site of a nearby C-130 plane engulfed in flames and firefighters’ response during the simulation.
Julian, a 13-year reservist, said that the 910th’s Civil Engineer Fire Department at the air base continually prepares for such events.
Anthony Wells, the CEFD’s chief, directed the training exercise in which propane was used to start the fire. Within minutes, two teams of civilian and reservist firefighters, one on each side of the plane, doused the flames.
The simulation also reinforced the importance of maintaining high alertness and top-notch preparedness in dealing with plane crashes and other disasters, noted Col. Kevin Riley, the airlift wing’s missions support group commander.
“It has given our guys lots of good training opportunities and good relations with our community,” Riley said.
He added the base’s fire department also provides mutual aid to neighboring communities as well as the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.
After any disaster, it’s imperative that victims and their loved ones quickly receive healing and comfort, which in the immediate aftermath can mean something as simple as food, water and a sympathetic ear, said Karen Conklin, the regional Red Cross chapter’s executive director.
The Red Cross also assists those who need long-term care in coping with a catastrophic event by referring them to local resources, including counseling agencies, said Conklin, adding that her organization has a close working relationship with YARS personnel.
Fran Taylor, the CEFD’s assistant chief of fire prevention, was one of two safety officers who controlled the fire for the training exercise.
“It’s safety first, always,” she said.
Making remarks during a ceremony preceding the simulated burn were James R. Fitzpatrick, a member of the Northeast Ohio Region American Red Cross’s board of directors; Michael N. Parks, the regional Red Cross’ chief executive officer; and David P. Dobstaff, board chairman.