Big Bird simulation creates complex scenario
By Katena Carvajales
               
About 100 volunteers portrayed survivors and victims of a simulated disaster at Hartsfield-Jackson on April 11 as part of the triennial Big Bird exercise.

“We conduct drills every year to ensure our emergency preparedness,” Aviation General Manager Louis Miller said. “Big Bird is a large-scale drill that allows the Airport’s emergency responders, staff and other agencies an opportunity to practice and evaluate their responses to an emergency situation.”

Organizers devised a highly complex scenario in order to create as many challenges as possible. The scenario was that a fuel truck collided with an aircraft at gate F4, resulting in an aircraft fire, injuries and fatalities.

Firefighters, law enforcement and rescue personnel worked at the scene and tended to volunteers in moulage (realistic, movie-style makeup to simulate injuries). Airport officials communicated with other agencies and the media.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires airports to conduct emergency-preparedness drills at least once every three years. Several years ago Hartsfield-Jackson officials named the drill “Big Bird” as a casual reference to aircraft.

The emergency simulation involved a collision, fire and many injuries at the international terminal.

Volunteers convincingly portray victims of an airfield incident during the Big Bird simulation.