Emergency simulation at Nelson Airport runs smoothly

A full-scale emergency exercise at Nelson Airport on Saturday 25 November ran smoothly, with emergency services successfully testing their procedures and equipment.

Involving 80 to 100 emergency service personnel and volunteers, the exercise simulated an aircraft crash landing. The airport remained fully operational during the exercise, with no disruption to normal services or activities.

Nelson Airport senior rescue fire office Matt van der Heyden says the exercise went off “without a hitch” and was a great opportunity to work with emergency services including FENZ, Police and Hato Hone St John.

“It was a chance for us to test our preparedness and our communication with one another in a full-scale simulated environment. It went extremely well and while there are always a few small things to work on, I was really pleased with how well everyone worked together to respond to the scenario.”

Matt thanked all the agencies involved, and gave a particular shoutout to the Air Training Corps No. 23 (Nelson) Squadron, which provided volunteers to role play casualties on the day.

Nelson Airport is required to conduct a comprehensive emergency exercise every two years under Civil Aviation Authority rules.