Aviation Emergency Response Plan – Using Emergency Response Exercises

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) considers the use of Emergency Response Exercises within an effective ERP.

Introduction

To remain effective, it is recommended to test all elements of an ERP over a three year period with different exercises. Testing should encompass both internal and external aspects.

Moreover, the ERP should consider both flights as well as non-flight related emergencies.

As part of the exercise, the ERP should be reviewed and assessed after each exercise for effectiveness.

Table Top (Limited to Internal Processes) can be run annually with the aim to run a wide scope of “Integrated Exercises” every three years.

By exercising the ERP management & communication processes we should be able to assess the viability of the emergency response plan and self determine the adequacy of our capability.

At the same time we have the opportunity to address any change and address any shortfalls, operational changes as well as to identifies areas where we can introduce.

Note – It is essential that following an exercise the emergency response plan is updated to reflect the lessons learned.

What is considered during an Emergency Response Table Top Exercise?

Essentially the Exercises considers the following aspects:

• Roles, Policies, and Strategy.
• Using either verbally role-play in real-time or a scenario-based accelerated timeline.
• Other possibility could be an accident or serious injury within the hangar.
• ERP managers, Stakeholders, and other relevant Department Personnel should involve.
• Advance preparation required for the exercise to achieve maximum effectiveness.
• Mentoring can be used to ensure any chosen scenario remains on-track.
• Facilitation can drive the discussion to explore the consideration of the effectiveness.

Table Top Exercise Participant Roles

There are four typical roles for exercise participants:

• Facilitator,
• Responder(s),
• Operator, and
• Observer.

Note – It is possible to combine roles, however where manpower permits it is better not to.

Facilitator – (ERP Manager)

• Does not participate in the exercise.
• Directs preparation efforts for the exercise.
• Shares exercise-related information to Operators and Responders as the exercise develops.
• Provides support & guidance as required.
• Provides regular communication regularly throughout the exercise to ensure coordination.

Responder – Management Roles

• Assume responsibility for managing the Emergency.
• Addresses the impact on the department and Organisation.
• Activate the emergency response and activation of the Crises Control Centre.
• Has the authority to mobilize resources.
• Provide guidance to those in the Operator role.
• Participate in the preparation of information to be communicated by the nominated spokesperson.
• Engage in communication with municipal and other government authorities.

Operator – Departmental Personnel

• Front Line Staff.
• Real-Time or accelerated through tabletop exercise.

Observers (Do not participate in the exercise)

• Evaluate the effectiveness of all Participants.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Exercise.
• Provide feedback to all roles.
• Provide Documentation of the Exercise.

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ERP, SAS blogs, Crisis Management, Emergency Response Plan, Aviation Accident, Aviation Incident, Aviation Emergency Response, Emergency Response Training, Emergency Response Exercises