Drill tests response to emergency

Mid West emergency services learned the most up-to-date methods of dealing with a plane crash when a simulated emergency landing was staged at Geraldton Airport recently.

Fire and rescue units, volunteer bushfire brigades, the State Emergency Service, St John Ambulance and police were tasked with responding to a scenario of a plane making a forced landing because of engine failure.

As part of the training exercise, crews had to deal with five fires and break open a simulated wreck to free crash victims.

Fifteen volunteers, including local actors, played the role of wounded passengers, suffering injuries ranging from concussion to severed limbs.

Geraldton Hospital nurse Erin Ralph provided injury make-up, which added to the realism.

The event was held on June 23.

Similar training is carried out every two years in accordance with the State Air Crash Emergency Management Plan.