San Diego first responders aboard MCAS Miramar

San Diego Emergency Medical Services paramedics load a simulated casualty into an ambulance during an aircraft mass casualty exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 24. Marines with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting and firefighters with the MCAS Miramar Fire Department worked alongside San Diego first responders to improve response times, solidify existing standard operating procedures for emergencies and fulfill annual training requirements. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Jake M.T. McClung/Released)

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, UNITED STATES
08.24.2016
Story by Pfc. Jake McClung
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Marines with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) and firefighters with the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Fire Department worked with San Diego first responders aboard MCAS Miramar, California, Aug. 24.

Marines with ARFF and firefighters with the MCAS Miramar Fire Department conducted an aircraft mass casualty exercise to improve response times, solidify existing standard operating procedures for emergencies and fulfill annual training requirements.

The mass casualty exercise simulated an aircraft mishap, extinguishing a subsequent fire and ensured all casualties received advanced medical care.

“We simulated an [MV-22B] Osprey crash into the [consolidated bachelor’s quarters] and we had to have ARFF respond to an aircraft crash off of the flight line,” said Dustin Ivers, a member of the Regional Exercise Team. “The biggest thing about it was everyone getting face-to-face to a multi-agency effort, as well as validating and practicing plans and procedures.”

Marines with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting remove a simulated casualty from a stretcher during an aircraft mass casualty exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 24. Marines with ARFF and firefighters with the MCAS Miramar Fire Department worked alongside San Diego first responders to improve response times, solidify existing standard operating procedures for emergencies and fulfill annual training requirements. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Jake M.T. McClung/Released)