Simulated aircraft disaster instructional exercise at Baltimore-Washington International Airport

A major, simulated aircraft disaster exercise was held in September of 1974 at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Maryland. The significant aspects of community involvement and specialized airport emergency planning were tested during this simulation. This paper presents an evaluation of the experience of the various elements in this exercise. The critical matter of having a system of runners to substitute for a failure within the mobile command post is stressed. Also, the importance of adequate telephone facilities for communication with the fire/rescue stations and community hospitals is highlighted. Many other small and seemingly unimportant items are found to be of considerable significance during the handling of disasters. A strong case is made for periodic disaster simulations to maintain an efficient broadly-based apparatus for handling such disasters, should they occur.