THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), conducted its regular Crash Rescue Exercises (CREX), wherein aircraft incidents and the consequent emergency response are simulated and ensures that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is fully prepared to handle emergencies efficiently.
These exercises help evaluate and enhance the emergency response capabilities of both MIAA and the secondary agencies that support them.
The goal of these exercises is to meet the safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and follow their recommended protocols.
The ICAO rates airports on a scale, and NAIA is classified as a Category 9 airport, indicating its capacity to accommodate certain aircraft sizes. Notably, MIAA’s rescue and firefighting capabilities are even in line with Category 10 standards, demonstrating readiness to manage emergencies involving large planes like the Airbus A380.
MIAA’s Rescue and Firefighting Division is well-equipped with highly trained personnel, ten modern firefighting vehicles, aircraft lifting systems, and ample rescue equipment. This ensures that they can effectively meet NAIA’s needs and are on par with similar divisions in the region.
In addition, the MIAA Medical Division has five ambulances and two equipment vehicles at its disposal. These ambulances are designed for swift emergency patient treatment and come equipped with medical supplies and devices like ventilators, nebulizers, stretchers, first aid kits, and minor surgical kits.
Conducting these exercises is a crucial part of MIAA’s commitment to ensuring safety and security in air travel. By continuously practicing and evaluating their responses, MIAA can better reduce response times, minimize the impact of emergencies, and ultimately save lives.
metrosundaily
