910th, Red Cross team up for mock aircraft disaster exercise

YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Firefighters from the 910th Airlift Wing Civil Engineer Fire Department fight a controlled fire on a mock aircraft here, Oct. 27, as part of an emergency response capabilities demonstration during the American Red Cross’ Feel the Heat event. An audience of invited guests and area media representatives observed the exercise. The exercise showcased the partnership between the military and the Red Cross as the second event to take place as part of the Air Force Community Partnership Program here, which has been ongoing since June 23, 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by Mr. Eric M. White

910th, Red Cross team up for mock aircraft disaster exercise

YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- 910th Airlift Wing Civil Engineer Fire Department Captain Kevin Brichetto addresses a crowd of invited guests and media representatives after a capabilities demonstration by the base fire department here, Oct. 27, as part of an emergency response capabilities demonstration during the American Red Cross’ Feel the Heat event. An audience of invited guests and area media representatives observed the exercise, which showcased the partnership between the military and the Red Cross as the second event to take place as part of the Air Force Community Partnership Program here, which has been ongoing since June 23, 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by Mr. Eric M. White

910th, Red Cross team up for mock aircraft disaster exercise

YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Firefighters from the 910th Airlift Wing Civil Engineer Fire Department replace fire hose after fighting a controlled fire on a mock aircraft as part of an emergency response capabilities demonstration during the American Red Cross’ Feel the Heat event here, Oct. 27. As the firefighters stow their equipment, excess propane burns off of the mock aircraft frame in the background. An audience of invited guests and area media representatives observed the exercise, which showcased the partnership between the military and the Red Cross as the second event to take place as part of the Air Force Community Partnership Program here, which has been ongoing since June 23, 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by Mr. Eric M. White

910th, Red Cross team up for aircraft crash response exercise

Published Oct. 31, 2014
By Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr.
910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office

YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The 910th Airlift Wing and American Red Cross of the Mahoning Valley teamed up to conduct aircraft crash response training event here, Oct. 27.

The "Feel the Heat" event included a simulated aircraft crash during which a small charter plane developed engine trouble, fell short of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport's runway and crashed into a nearby house. In the scenario, the 910th Civil Engineer Fire Department responded to contain the aircraft fire while the American Red Cross acted as secondary responders to provided care and comfort to simulated survivors. This included CPR demonstrations and the use of the agency's Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to distribute water, coffee and snacks. Event participants also had the opportunity to go through the 910th Fire Department's "Smoke House," a building designed to aid in strengthening one's confidence while trying to navigate through a smoke-filled structure.

The exercise was designed to demonstrate the high level of readiness of the air station's first responders and the everyday work of the area's American Red Cross staff and volunteers who respond to the plight of those in need of their services in the local community. An audience of more than 80 Red Cross staff and volunteers, invited guests and area media outlets were on hand to observe the exercise.

American Red Cross of the Mahoning Valley Executive Director Karen Conklin said the event was also designed to showcase the partnership between the military and the Red Cross.

"We are the only organization authorized by the DoD to find a servicemember anywhere in the world, so we already work well with the military," Conklin said. "The whole idea is to showcase what we do here in the valley every single day and the fact we are ready should a disaster occur."

Col. James Dignan, 910th Airlift Wing commander, said the exercise is another great opportunity for the 910th Airlift Wing to team up with a community agency to receive mutually beneficial and potentially life-saving training.

"This is a way to give back to an agency that is always here to support us," said Dignan. "We are working with our partners in the local community to practice coming together in the event of an emergency at the Youngstown-Warren regional airport here."

The Red Cross executive director echoed the wing commander's take on the exercise's importance.

"This is what would happen should a tragic event happen here," Conklin added. "We would cooperate with the local authorities and provide the help that is needed. This event really is a win-win for all of us."

The 910th's commander also said the exercise is an opportunity for the wing to get to know neighboring agencies long before they would need to work together in a disaster situation.

"Sometimes out here at YARS, as with all military installations, we seem to be pretty happy inside the fence. But, it's more and more important for us to be part of the community both inside and outside the base," Dignan said. "So, this is an opportunity for us to reach out to the local community because it's better to practice in peace time, as we say, then have to... exchange business cards in an emergency."