Major emergency drill at Rye Playland tests response to plane crash scenario
The drill is required by the Federal Aviation Administration, which mandates airports like Westchester County Airport regularly practice large-scale emergency response scenarios.
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Emergency response is all about preparation — and in Westchester County, that preparation was put to the test with a large-scale disaster drill at Rye Playland on Saturday.
The full-scale emergency exercise simulated a commercial plane crash into the water near Westchester County Airport.
More than 100 people from over 10 agencies participated, including firefighters, EMS crews, dive teams and emergency coordinators. Volunteers also acted as victims by helping crews practice triage, rescue and treatment in a high-pressure setting.
Officials say these drills are critical to ensure that multiple agencies can work together seamlessly during a real emergency. According to Westchester County Emergency Services, the Federal Aviation Administration requires airports to conduct full-scale disaster exercises every three years, but Westchester runs them every two.
The focus of the drill is to have strong communication, coordination and safety for both for victims and first responders.
Kieran O’Leary, of Westchester County Emergency Services, says while the county has been fortunate to avoid a major incident, practicing for the worst-case scenario is essential.
Everyone who participated in the drill returned home safely.
