RAPID CITY, S.D. – Emergency responders from across the Black Hills took part in a full-scale emergency training exercise Wednesday at Rapid City Regional Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration-required drill brought together about 150 emergency personnel and volunteers to simulate an aircraft accident and test the airport’s emergency response plan.
Firefighters, law enforcement officers, medical personnel, airport staff, and volunteers practiced everything from rescue operations and medical triage to coordinating resources during a large-scale emergency.
Airport officials say the exercise is designed to be as realistic as possible, helping agencies prepare for situations they hope never occur.
Participating organizations included the Rapid City Fire and Police Departments, Ellsworth Air Force Base, Monument Health, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, regional volunteer fire departments, and the Salvation Army.
The large-scale training exercise is required every three years and helps ensure emergency responders are prepared to handle a major incident at the airport.
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