The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) will host a large-scale Mass Casualty Incident Response Exercise on January 23 as part of its ongoing Exercise Event Horizon 2025.
This simulation, conducted in collaboration with regional and international partners, will replicate an airliner crash off the Portland/St. Mary coastline to evaluate emergency response capabilities and enhance coordination among agencies.
Commander Alvin Gayle, Executive Officer of the Maritime Air and Cyber Command (MACC) and Officer Conducting Exercise (OCE), explained that the exercise aims to improve readiness for real-life mass casualty events.
“The scenario involves a simulated airliner crash with approximately 330 people onboard. During the exercise, we plan to recover 120 individuals or objects from the water,” Commander Gayle stated.
The response will involve offshore vessels, aircraft, and drones to locate and assist crash survivors. Low-flying aircraft near the coastline will perform search and rescue operations, transporting recovered individuals to shore.
“At the shoreline, triage areas managed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness will be activated, with ambulances and medical personnel responding to simulated injuries. This will test their ability to manage emergency scenarios effectively,” Commander Gayle added.
The exercise will include actors portraying injured passengers, giving first responders hands-on triage experience. Professional medical teams will also be present to handle any unforeseen incidents during the drill.
Residents and visitors near the Portland and St. Mary coastal areas are assured that this is a controlled and planned event. Commander Gayle emphasized that no explosives or hazardous materials will be used, and there is no need for alarm.
Exercise Event Horizon 2025 is a multinational and multi-domain training operation running from January 12 to 26 across Jamaica, The Cayman Islands, and offshore Haiti. Hosted by the JDF’s MACC, the event is supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Global Maritime Crime Program (UNODC GMCP).
This is the third iteration of the exercise, which continues to build on the region’s capacity to manage complex emergencies effectively.
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