Multi-Agency Training Exercise at Mid-Wales Airport in Welshpool

On Tuesday, July 30^th, a large-scale training exercise was held at the Mid-Wales Airport in Welshpool, organised by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS).

The training exercise, named ‘Look to the Sky’, involved a multi-agency response including Dyfed-Powys Police, the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust, airport staff and several MAWWFRS crews. 

The exercise allowed the opportunity to simulate a realistic emergency scenario which involved two planes colliding at an airshow and crash landing in the parking and spectator areas.  The simulated emergency included mobilising several emergency response vehicles and personnel, establishing command centres and conducting search and rescue operations.

Supporting the various emergency service crews at the exercise were the Newtown Fire Cadets and Welshpool Army Cadets, who simulated injured casualties at the scene.  The exercise allowed all involved to practice extinguishing aircraft fires, extricating injured casualties from damaged vehicles, managing hazardous materials, triaging (ten-second triage) and providing medical aid to the simulated casualties.

Speaking at the training exercise, Head of the Service’s Northern Division (Powys and Ceredigion), Group Manager Stephen Rowlands, said: