Greenbrier County First Responders Tested Under Pressure - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

Greenbrier County First Responders Tested Under Pressure

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When disaster strikes, first responders in Greenbrier County say they're ready.

On Friday, firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement participated in a test of the county's coordinated response, a simulated plane crash at Greenbrier Valley Airport.  

"What happens here is everybody does everything they have to do, slowly and perfectly. If we really had an accident, they'd be much more animated and excited. If they didn't do it right the first time, there would be consequences," said Jerry O'Sullivan, the Manager of Greenbrier Valley Airport.

Actors recruited from Greenbrier East High School were encouraged to make the exercise as challenging as possible for responders through creating diversions and resisting treatment.

"This is also a test of our mutual aid. We have the Greenbrier Valley Airport and five departments respond, but we've also had Frankfurt and Lewisburg fire departments as well," added O'Sullivan. 

The simulated exercise was mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).