Last weekend, the Dortmund Airport Fire Department conducted a comprehensive emergency drill with over 450 participants. Such drills are held regularly to test and optimize response capabilities in the event of an emergency. The focus was on alerting procedures, firefighting, and the care and support of evacuated passengers.
The exercise scenario involved an Airbus A319 catching fire due to a simulated technical defect. Approximately 100 passengers had to be quickly evacuated and given medical treatment. The heavy smoke also triggered the fire alarm system in the terminal, prompting a precautionary evacuation of the building. After approximately two hours, the exercise was successfully concluded: The simulated fire was extinguished, and all injured persons were cared for by medical personnel and the psychosocial emergency service. In addition to the airport fire department, external fire protection personnel, the rescue service, the Dortmund Fire Department's communications unit, and a team for psychosocial support and emergency chaplaincy were also deployed. The airport itself and the Federal Police, responsible for immigration control, were also actively involved in the scenario.
The fire department's initial evaluation of the exercise was positive. The head of the airport fire department, Dietmar Stange, praised the flawless functioning of the alarm system in all areas and the rapid deployment of all rescue personnel. However, valuable insights were also gained for further improving procedures in the future. Such exercises are required in accordance with the safety requirements of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization.1 (ICAO) and make a significant contribution to ensuring airport security.
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