Red Cross Boost Emergency Readiness in Freetown International Airport Simulation Drill
Sahid Bangura The Sierra Leone Red Cross Society has reaffirmed its role in national emergency response after actively participating in a full-scale airport emergency simulation exercise held at Freetown International Airport on Saturday, 18 April 2026.
The exercise, organized by Freetown International Airport Limited, was conducted under the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness, safety response systems, and compliance with regulatory standards set by the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority.
The live simulation took place at Apron 3 of the airport and featured a realistic emergency scenario involving smoke, fire response operations, emergency vehicle deployment, and coordinated action among multiple response agencies. The drill tested the readiness and coordination of institutions responsible for managing aviation-related emergencies.
As part of the national emergency response network, trained volunteers and personnel from the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society played a central role in the simulation.
Their contributions included emergency first aid response, casualty care and triage support, humanitarian assistance services, volunteer mobilization, and coordination with other responding agencies.
The exercise brought together several key institutions, including the National Disaster Management Agency, the Office of National Security, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the Sierra Leone Police, the National Fire Force, as well as hospitals, aviation partners, and other emergency stakeholders.
In a statement following the exercise, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society commended Freetown International Airport Limited for organizing the initiative, noting that such simulations are critical in strengthening coordination, improving readiness, and enhancing lifesaving capacity in the event of a real emergency.
The participation of the Red Cross highlights its continued commitment to supporting national authorities and partners in building a more resilient and responsive emergency management system across Sierra Leone.
