Air Force Test Ranges Squadron (AFTRSQN) and 34 Squadron have completed a joint emergency response exercise at RAAF Base Woomera aerodrome, fulfilling their annual emergency preparedness requirements.
Commanding Officer 34 Squadron Wing Commander Sarah-Jane Leech commented on the importance of the exercise.
"Partnering with AFTRSQN for this 'crash exercise' provided a valuable opportunity to test our emergency response procedures in a realistic, high-pressure scenario," Wing Commander Leech said.
"Working together strengthened our interoperability, allowed us to share insights, identify areas for improvement and reinforced our shared commitment to safety.
"Exercises like this are essential for building resilience, refining our processes and ensuring we're ready to respond effectively when it matters most."
The exercise focused on the reliability of communications and the adaptability of both units during a busy operational period, simulating conditions where key emergency response personnel might not be immediately available.
A Falcon F7X positioning flight to Woomera was incorporated, with three role-players acting as VIP passengers to add realism and allow Special Purpose Aircraft personnel to test their response procedures.
The scenario involved a simulated bird strike causing severe engine damage, further resulting in smoke and fumes and requiring an emergency evacuation.
This setup gave Woomera Emergency Services (WES) the chance to manage a multiple casualty situation.
'This is something we haven't done before. It was fantastic to observe the dedication and professionalism of all involved.'
Commanding Officer AFTRSQN Wing Commander Pete Tame noted the scenario allowed the important inclusion of civilian emergency response elements.
"This is something we haven't done before. It was fantastic to observe the dedication and professionalism of all involved," Wing Commander Tame said.
WES ambulance officer George Bambach reiterated the sentiment.
"This was a very complex and challenging exercise with competing priorities," Mr Bambach said.
"WES crews, together with ADF personnel, worked extremely well to establish and maintain scene control and achieve the required outcomes for patient care and survivability."
Despite its reputation as a quiet location, Woomera regularly hosts visiting passenger and cargo aircraft, making emergency response exercises critical for ensuring the local team's readiness.
This collaboration provided a valuable opportunity for the small 'team of teams' to develop realistic scenarios with support from 34 Squadron.
The partnership's success was evident as both units identified improvements for their emergency response plans.
Effective communication remains a significant challenge in any emergency response.
