Port Blair, Sept. 4: The Andaman and Nicobar Command conducted a comprehensive mock drill on 04 Sep 23, to assess emergency services' readiness for an Air Crash Accident including Mass Casualty Evacuation at the Veer Savarkar International Airport. Various stakeholders joined to holistically exercise collective response capabilities.

Coordinated by INS Utkrosh, this exercise involved medical units of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, relevant government agencies (which included Health Services, Disaster Management, GB Pant Hospital, Pillar Hospital, Civil Police, CISF, Air Port Authority of India), and airline operators.

The mock drill started with a fictitious aircraft crash. INS Utkrosh's Safety Services team swiftly managed the simulated onboard fire, initiating casualty evacuation and essential Crash & Salvage operations. Meanwhile, INS Utkrosh's Medical Department triaged injured passengers, providing initial First Aid and Resuscitation to revive survivors. A total of 13 ambulances (06 from Armed Forces & 08 from civil sources), quickly arrived at the simulated crash site. Hospitals (GB Pant, INHS Dhanvantari & Pillar) re-triaged 32 simulated casualties, set up Crisis Expansion Wards, and assembled Surgical Teams. Operation Theatres and Disaster Management Stores' readiness was assessed.

Independent observers from Andaman and Nicobar Command and Civil Administration supervised the drill, showcasing synergy among agencies. It provided insights into HADR mechanisms, highlighting the commitment to safety in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.