Indy Airport Live Disaster Exercise | 2022 APEX

On June 8, 2022, the Indianapolis Airport Authority tested its airport emergency operations plan at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) as part of a full-scale, multi-emergency training exercise involving airport personnel, first responders and participants from more than 30 organizations in the Greater Indianapolis Area.

The Airport Preparedness Exercise, or APEX, required by the Federal Aviation Administration to take place once every three years, evaluates airport operations plans in the event of an emergency. During the exercise, critical functions such as incident command and control, rescue methods and procedures, and triage of injured victims are assessed.

An actual aircraft was staged at the scene of the exercise as well as a separate live aircraft fire trainer. Volunteers of all ages served as disaster victims and survivors, complete with theatrical make-up and moulage to create mock wounds and injuries.

“This exercise is part of our preparation to respond to an aircraft incident here at or near the Indy airport,” said Keith Berlen, IAA senior director of operations and public safety. “Today we pull together more than 100 first responders, combined from our facility personnel and those from the local community to test and scrutinize our procedures to ensure we’re doing everything possible to be timely and effective in event of an aircraft disaster.”

Berlen said first responders from local police and fire department, along with emergency personnel, hospitals, and public businesses, all directly participate in this tri-annual drill.

“In partnering with multiple agencies, we’re able to provide a training that not only tests us, but also strengthens relationships within the community,” said Chief Fred Pervine, head of IAA fire department.