Lessons Learned in Helicopter Operations During a Large Multiagency Disaster Prevention Drill in Japan

In 2018, the Cabinet Office executed a disaster prevention drill based on the scenario that Nankai had a megathrust earthquake and a large tsunami hit Tokushima Prefecture. The purpose of this study was to summarize the key lessons learned in the review of the Department of Aviation Operation for Tokushima Prefecture in this drill.

This report was based on a review using data from the Japan emergency medical information sharing system that can be accessed via the Internet.

In the disaster drill, the doctor helicopter (DH) headquarters of Tokushima Prefecture at Takamatsu Airport was able to procure 2 actual DHs and 2 mock DHs. The Department of Aviation Operation within the Tokushima Prefectural Government was able to procure 1 actual helicopter belonging to the Coast Guard and 8 mock helicopters (4 belonging to the military and 4 to the fire department). There were 29 flights, including actual and mock flights, and 44 victims were medically transported.

By making flight plans with each organization concerned, we were able to share the basic rules, concepts, and management approaches of flights among the responding organizations. Disaster planners should have at least a passing familiarity with the aviation capabilities of the local helicopter emergency medical service and other helicopter operations.