US Airways Flight 1549 and Public Safety

2009 Jan 16 Posted by Joseph Pascarella

Amazingly, there were no fatalities yesterday when the US Airways Flight 1549 was forced to land in the 32 degree waters of the Hudson River yesterday. One of the major reasons, in addition to the heroics of the flight crew, was the immediate and professional first response of the public safety and private sector agencies in New York City.

The timely and professional response of the dozen agencies (including private sector ferry operators and civilians) rescued the passengers from the frigid waters in an organized and cooperative manner.

This operation exemplies the professionalism and capabilities of public safety and private sector safety personnel saving lives and mitigating casualties under intense circumstances. The magitude of resources that were mobilized in a very short time was nothing short of incredible.

Take care and stay safe.

Joe Pascarella

One Response to “US Airways Flight 1549 and Public Safety”

Sandy Boyd, Ed.D. Says:

Beyond the excellent work of our first responders, another direct link to public safety is the training that allowed the pilot to put the plane down in one piece. What we do now in public safety with interactive sim training was done first with the airline industry. Going back to Al Haines in 1989 with flight 232, he emphatically gave credit to the survival of half the passengers to the hours of training he went through in cockpit simulators.

In order to continue to offer professional and immediate service to the public, we need to offer as close to lifelike training experiences so that when the actual incident occurs, public safety will be better able to make correct, split second decisions.

Be safe.

Sandy Boyd

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Public Safety Signals provides a venue for those working or interested in the public safety field to join in a conversation about the latest news, trends and important issues related to public safety. The authors are experienced professionals and educators in the field of public safety, but your topic suggestions and insightful comments are needed to keep this site relevant and engaging.

Authors

Picture of Dr. Charles Tiffin, a contributor to Capella's public safety blog.
Dr. Charles Tiffin
Program Chair, Public Safety Program, Capella University
Picture of Dr. Joseph Pascarella, author of Capella's public safety news blog.
Dr. Joseph Pascarella
Core Faculty Member, Capella University
Picture of Dr. Harry Carter author of Capella's public safety news blog.
Dr. Harry Carter
Adjunct Faculty Member, Capella University
Melissa Beasley
Captain, Florence Alabama Police Department
Michael Brown
Capella University Learner

Lisa J. Bjergaard
Capella University Learner, and Director, Division of Juvenile Services North Dakota
Darryl Jones
Capella University Learner and Chief, Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire
Laura Pettler
Capella University Learner

Mark Rubin
Capella University Learner

Rebecca L. Smith
Capella University Learner, Manager of Emergency Planning and Training for Jefferson County Public Schools
Mark S. Warnick
Capella University Learner, Retired Asst. Fire Chief

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