Redmond Airport sets Oct. 3 disaster training drill

Redmond Municipal Airport and Redmond Fire and Rescue will conduct a full-scale emergency response disaster training drill on Thursday, Oct. 3, beginning at 8 a.m., as required by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Several emergency response vehicles and personnel will be onsite, and RDM officials would like to reassure travelers the exercise will not impact commercial flight operations. All RDM flights will depart and arrive as scheduled, officials said.

The FAA requires airports of RDM’s size to conduct realistic commercial passenger aircraft disaster training drills once every three years.

More than 70 participants will act as passengers with a wide variety of challenges, including triage of realistic mock injuries, transportation of the injured, identification and reunification of passengers with their family.

RDM and Redmond Fire and Rescue have coordinated with multiple regional partners to practice, learn and prepare together including: Black Butte Ranch Fire Department, Bend Fire Department, Sisters – Camp Sherman Fire District, Crook County Fire and EMS, Sunriver Fire Department, Crooked River Ranch Fire and Rescue, St. Charles Health System including Redmond, Prineville, Madras and Bend, St. Charles Family Care in Redmond, Bend Memorial Clinic in Redmond, Redmond Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office including Search and Rescue (SAR) ,Oregon Health Authority, COCC Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Students, Life Flight, Air Link, Redmond School District Transportation, and local air carriers and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) representatives that serve RDM.

Redmond Fire and Rescue Chief Ken Kehmna said, ” This is an opportunity to support our regional partners. Roberts Field is an important asset to the community, and ensuring Redmond Fire and Rescue is fully prepared to provide public safety to the people flying in and out of central Oregon is critical. This exercise is a great opportunity to ensure our plans are effective and well-coordinated. ”

Members of the media are welcome to observe, however this event it is not open to the public. Media will receive a News Advisory prior to the event. The airport will be open during the disaster drill exercise. Again, flight operations will not be impacted, officials said.