First Responders Hold Emergency Training Exercise At Tulsa International Airport

Tuesday, several first responders were at Tulsa International Airport practicing what they would do if an F-16 collided in mid-air with a commercial passenger jet.

The emergency response drill looked different this year and crews had to use their imagination in some parts of the training. 

“With people flying now all the planes are being used, so that’s a good thing. So, unfortunately, the planes and schedules didn’t get worked out as we would like it to, but we’re going to use it the best we can. We’ve got some airplane parts out there," said Tim Hammer.

Tim Hammer is the emergency manager for Tulsa Airport Authority and is organizing the collision drill. Twelve agencies worked to put out fires and treat pretend injuries of nearly 75 volunteer victims. 

“In reality, this is a mass casualty incident. A lot of victims, and a lot of injuries, so Tulsa fire department and EMSA working together. They do this on a daily basis almost," said Hammer.

The FAA requires emergency drills like this one every three years. He said with thousands of people traveling through TIA daily, they are always training, just in case. 

“We all have plans, right. We sit down and we talk about this for two years. We do a tabletop every two years. So we talk about it. This is the first time that we can make sure that our plans actually work. If there need to be any adjustments that’s what we’re here for," said Hammer.