On Friday July 10, Richmond Ambulance Authority was involved in an aircraft accident at Richmond International Airport (RIC). It consisted of a small plane that was hit on the runway by a larger plane and the larger plane caught on fire. There were approximately 70 patients and included a multi jurisdictional response.

It wasn't front page news as it was a tri annual training event held at RIC in the event of an Mass Casualty Incident (MCI). The primary players were Henrico Fire since they would be first on scene and in command.As well as RAA, Richmond Fire Department, West End Rescue and Forest View Rescue also provided units to participate in the event.

RAAs Capts. Keith Hart, Wes Wampler, Lts Brian Talty, Todd Sheridan and Ronnie Ruffin as well as Paramedic Crystal Marche participated. There were also units from Chesterfield, Hanover, Ashland, Manchester, Benseley, Ettrick, Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Airport Fire Dept., Lakeside and Tuckahoe Rescue. Henrico and State Police Departments also assisted with the event.

There were approximately 70 patients that were real actors done up in injury mimicking make up and playing the part of confused, hurt and injured patients. This was run as though it was real and all patients were triaged, treated and transported off site to a “hospital” in a hangar bay.

RAA was able to take away many lessons from the event we may be able to implement should we have our own disaster of that magnitude.