Airshow disaster plans.

Abstract

Airshows require careful medical planning. Disaster drills and coordination between all rescue agencies are necessary. Rescue personnel and command post must be highly visible. Good communication includes dedicated radio frequencies at the site, dedicated phone lines to hospitals, and multiple back-ups. Security personnel should use yellow police tape for crowd control, and volunteers must be supervised. Key medical elements include efficient triage and stabilization at the site, adequate medical personnel, equipment dispersed within the crowd, rapid transportation including helicopters, and crisis intervention. Separate areas are needed for persons with minor injuries, relatives and friends, the press, and a morgue. Disaster plans for airshows have unique aspects. A predetermined time benefits planning. Airports often have pre-existing medical facilities, and participating military agencies may have additional resources. Burns and inhalation injuries predominate at airshow accidents. Enlarging spectator safety zones and modifying aerobatic maneuvers can prevent injury.