SBD International Airport ready for any emergency

San Bernardino International Airport (SBD Airport) is prepared for any emergency – even an aircraft collision.

Last month SBD Airport conducted a full-scale preparedness drill complete with a simulated aircraft collision with “injured passengers”. The exercise was designed to test the readiness of airport personnel, first responders, and coordinating mutual aid agencies for a real-life emergency.

“At SBD, we take safety and security very seriously, and drills like this provide a critical stress-test of our emergency management systems,” says Mike Burrows, the Airport’s Chief Executive Officer. “I’d like to offer my personal thanks to everyone who participated in the exercise—and to our current and future emergency response professionals, thank you for keeping the Airport and the community at large safe.”

Emergency Response Plan drills are required every 36 months by the FAA and took six months to plan.

On the day of the drill, numerous government representatives and officials safely gathered as observers. Kenny Halseth, San Bernardino County Fire Battalion Chief, added “Everyone worked very well together, and things moved at a good pace. Had this been an actual emergency, I think we would have been able to get all of our patients off-scene quickly.”

Airport Manager Nikolas Persson agrees, stating, “Today’s drill went extraordinarily well. It was a great opportunity to work together with our mutual aid partners, and in doing so, we learned a lot and will implement any necessary changes into our plan.”