HELEN MORRISSEY
Farnborough International can be a busy time for the on-site emergency services, and although it lasts just one week every two years, they have to be at top operational readiness from the word ‘go'.
Between shows, organisers work closely with local police, fire and ambulance services to ensure the event is as safe as possible and that resources are in place to deal quickly with any emergencies. On busy public days as many as 1,000 emergency personnel can be on-site.
"In the run-up to the event, emergency personnel take part in live exercises to ascertain how to deal with various situations," explains site manager Andy Coulson. "By the time the event begins, our emergency service operation is pretty well integrated into the running of the show."
During the show, emergency service response is coordinated through an on-site, computerised control centre where operators can relay pictures from CCTV cameras as well as field all telephone and radio communications. An on-site medical centre tends to airshow visitors who are taken ill or are hurt.
Says Andy: "Last time we had 32,000 calls. It is vital that they are relayed to the correct people as quickly as possible."
The airfield fire rescue is backed up by units of Hampshire fire brigade, while the police work with security personnel.
Many of the emergency personnel have worked at previous Farnborough airshows. "There's a degree of continuity which is great," says Andy. "They know what is needed during the airshow and can help us work at how to further improve service to visitors – they play a very important role."
Source: Flight Daily News
