Icelandic and US responders rehearse attack response

Icelandic and US emergency responders rehearsed a coordinated response to a simulated attack in Iceland, including the evacuation and treatment of 10 wounded people, mbl.is reported. About 200 people took part in the civil protection exercise.

The exercise took place at the defence area in Keflavik and formed part of NATO’s Northern Viking defence exercise in Iceland. Northern Viking began on August 18 and ends on Thursday, with about 1,200 participants from 12 countries.

The exercise initially practised activating Iceland’s bilateral defence agreement with the United States before shifting its focus to activating Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. The civil protection exercise was held as the final stage.

US Navy surgeons set up temporary operating rooms and triage areas. Treatment in medical tents and the transport of wounded people by helicopter and ambulance were also practised, while an emergency assistance centre was established.

The exercise involved surgeons, the Suðurnes Health Institution, police, the National Police Commissioner, Landsbjörg, the Icelandic Coast Guard and other organisations, according to Jónas G. Allansson, director of the Defence Affairs Department at Iceland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Allansson said the exercise could also be useful during natural disasters. Aircraft landing at Egilsstaðir, Akureyri and other airports around Iceland can transport forces for defence readiness, as well as provide assistance during emergencies by carrying Icelandic or foreign emergency responders.

He said the exercise was a valuable addition to the experience of Icelandic emergency services. Although Iceland does not have the same large institutions as the United States and other allied countries, its personnel have broad knowledge and extensive experience, including a better understanding of local conditions.