Gathering Less Than Two Months Away

For the fourth time in as many years, local, state and federal officials, along with their counterparts from other countries, will get together for the annual International Symposium on Aviation Emergencies. This year's event will be held in Weehawken (NJ).
 
The New York New Jersey Port Authority, which operates John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty, La Guardia, and Teterboro Airport, is now an event partner. In addition to the Port Authority, the New Jersey State Police, the EMS Division of the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, and the North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue Agency have pledged to support the Symposium.
 
The Director of Public Safety for the Port Authority Police, Superintendent Charles De Rienzo has been scheduled to address the attendees during the opening session.

The Commanding Police Officer at JFK airport, Kenneth Honig, will be guest speaking concerning the survival of the Port Authority and its continuation of business operations after the devastating impact of the September 11 attacks.  Honig will also lead a tour through JFK's emergency service facilities, which includes law enforcement, fire, and EMS.
 

Each day, of the 4-day event, is devoted to a different concern in the aviation industry.

 
Monday, March 29

• Topic: Aviation Terrorism

After the opening session, presentations will be given by experts such as: Ken Honig, Commanding Police Officer at JFK airport; John F. Flynn, from the Emergency Services Unit of the Port Authority Police; Martin Gaffney, Chief Inspector at Manchester International Airport, UK;  John Avolio, Director of Cargo, Aviation and Government Affairs for L3 Communications Security & Detection Systems.
 
These presentation, lectures and workshops will cover effective prevention, mitigation, and response strategies towards acts of terrorism and ultra violence; vulnerability analysis and risk assessment; counter terrorism and security measures, technologies, and regulations; explosives - recognition and blast results; bomb threat management; workplace violence and air rage; evidence preservation.
 

Tuesday, March 30

• Topic: Response To Airport Emergencies And Airplane Accidents

After the morning presentations, the afternoon will include a tour to JFK International Airport. The Port Authority Police provides at JFK the full range of emergency services under one roof, from law enforcement, to ARFF (Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting), to EMS (Emergency Medical Services). Attendees will have the opportunity to see the facilities and equipment, to learn more about operations, procedures, and training, and to exchange views and knowledge with the cross-trained Port Authority Police Officers.

Wednesday, March 31

• Emergency Medical - Ambulance Services, Public Health And Biological Agents

Walter Gaber, the Vice President and Medical Director of Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) in Germany will describe their state of the art medical facilities (including an airport hospital, and progressive EMS equipment) and procedures for events such as mass casualty incidents and patients carrying contagious diseases (i.e., SARS). Representatives from the Newark EMS Division of the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey will give an overview of the EMS procedures and response at Newark Liberty International airport. Other presentations will cover biological agents from SARS to smallpox, the spread of contagious diseases, and the principles of effective disinfectants and decontamination.
 
This day's afternoon will be including a tour to Newark Liberty International Airport. In a combined effort, the Emergency Services Unit of the Port Authority Police, the EMS Division of the University Hospital, and the New Jersey State Police will display their equipment and facilities to showcase how in the case of an aviation related mass casualty incident at or nearby Newark International Airport, these agencies work together to save lives and property.

Thursday, April 1

• Airline/Airport/Community Emergency Planning And Crisis Management

This day will address emergency management issues from several different perspectives. Beginning, Laurie Barnett, the Emergency Manager for SouthWest will describe the planning efforts for which is now the fourth largest passenger airline in the US. Ellen M. Diverniero, an advocate for aviation safety and comprehensive accident investigation, who lost a family member in a plane crash years ago (before The Family Assistance Act) will describe her experiences, and what types of expectation of survivors and family members will have. Robert A. Jenson, the COO of Kenyon International and author of a field guide on Mass Fatality and Casualty Incidents, will provide valuable insights on handling the aftermath of an aviation disaster. Ken Honig, the Commanding Police Officer at JFK will make an impressive presentation on the survival of the Port Authority in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attack. The Port Authority did not only lose their key facilities and headquarters located in the Twin Towers, but also lost many of their executive and key personnel. Ken, who is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)  will describe how the lessons learned from the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the Y2K preparation, and Business Continuity Planning enabled the Operator of three large airports and other vital transportation infrastructure (trains, tunnels, water ferry, bridges, etc.) in the greater New York City area to survive the disastrous impact.

FMI: www.edmus.info