Audit of Sandspit Airport’s Emergency Response Plan and Tabletop Scenario Creation
As part of my project management course, I had the opportunity to focus on a critical aspect of airport operations—emergency preparedness. My capstone project involved conducting a comprehensive audit of Sandspit Airport’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and developing three tabletop scenarios to help improve response strategies in the event of an emergency.
In this project, I analyzed the existing emergency protocols, identified potential gaps, and designed tailored tabletop exercises to test the effectiveness of these strategies. Read on to learn more about the audit process, the scenarios created, and how this project contributes to the overall safety and operational readiness of Sandspit Airport.
Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash
Sandspit Airport Overview:
Sandspit Airport is a small regional airport located on the southern coast of British Columbia, Canada. The airport serves as a gateway for both locals and tourists, connecting remote areas with major cities. Given its geographic location and relatively high traffic during peak seasons, it is crucial for Sandspit Airport to have an effective and well-practiced Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in place.
Audit of the Emergency Response Plan
The first component of my capstone project involved an audit of the current Emergency Response Plan (ERP) at Sandspit Airport. The purpose of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of existing protocols and identify any gaps or weaknesses.
Tabletop Scenario Creation:
After completing the audit, the next step was to develop three tabletop scenarios that could be used for training and evaluation purposes. Tabletop exercises are a key tool for emergency preparedness, as they allow airport personnel and emergency responders to practice decision-making and coordination in a low-risk, simulated environment.
Here are the three tabletop scenarios we created:
Aircraft Accident on the Airport Grounds
An aircraft crashes on the runway during takeoff or landing, resulting in multiple casualties and significant damage to the aircraft. This scenario tests the effectiveness of the airport’s emergency response, including firefighting efforts, coordination with paramedics, and the management of potential environmental hazards such as fuel leaks.
Security Threat at Sandspit Airport
A security threat is detected at the airport, potentially involving an active shooter, a bomb threat, or a suspicious package. This scenario tests the effectiveness of the airport’s security protocols, communication systems, and coordination with local law enforcement agencies.
Combination of Security Threat and Aircraft Incident
A combined security threat and aircraft incident occur simultaneously. A suspicious individual is identified within the airport terminal while an aircraft experiences a technical failure or accident on the runway. This complex scenario requires the simultaneous coordination of security and emergency response teams to handle both the security threat and the aviation incident.