Hundreds participate in mock plane crash training exercise in Comox Valley
Hundreds of first responders and military personnel worked together on an exercise for a scenario they hope they will never face in real life.
Numerous agencies cooperated on the mock disaster at Airforce Beach near 19 Wing Comox on Wednesday, called Operation Totem Platinum.
The training exercise simulated an airplane crash with several victims.
The Operation Totem Platinum training exercise is shown. May 17, 2023. (CTV News)"[There are] multiple agencies in the Comox Valley area, but very seldom do we work together, so this exercise is about us learning how to work together in case of a real emergency," said training coordinator captain Eric Germain.
Germain says planning for the event began in September of last year and involved more than 500 people.
"We’re looking at about 20 to 25 civilian agencies, roughly 150 to 200 civilians, and probably another 10 to 15 military agencies and roughly 300 military members," he said.
Along with smoke simulating fire scenes, several "casualty actors" were also used for realism, spread throughout the extensive wreckage area.
One of those portraying a crash survivor was Jennifer Joseph, who works at 19 Wing as an engine technician.
"It’s my first time actually doing this so I’m pretty excited to see how it goes, just act and go have fun with it," she said.
"I’m actually working later today, something fun to do in the morning and then go back to work and talk about it," Joseph said.
The Operation Totem Platinum training exercise is shown. May 17, 2023. (CTV News)Daniel Dielissen is also posing as a victim, complete with extensive makeup.
"We were talking Monday night and [Germain] was like, 'I’ll give you the gnarliest one,' and I was like, 'Yes, sign me up," he said.
The Operation Totem Platinum training exercise is shown. May 17, 2023. (CTV News)The joint exercise was closed to the public and was surrounded by security, not to keep the public out but to maintain an area around the scene as they would do with an actual crash.
Fire departments from Courtenay and Comox, along with marine search and rescue teams, also took part.
The Operation Totem Platinum training exercise is shown. May 17, 2023. (CTV News)Several Emergency Health Services ambulances were also on scene with crews transporting the "victims" to the hospital in Courtenay.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.