Joint Emergency Desktop Exercise
Saturday, February 10, 2024
On October 2, 2024, the PNG HSE Team facilitated a nationwide desktop exercise to assess the capabilities and limitations of the country’s emergency service providers in responding to major gas, fire, and transportation emergencies.
The exercise was attended by key stakeholders, including:
- PNG Fire Services
- St. John’s Ambulance (Port Moresby and Lae)
- Police officials
- IPI Transport in Lae
- Lae Port Authority
- Terminal site emergency response teams
- Security contractors
The objective of the desktop exercise was to evaluate the coordination, communication, and operational readiness of these entities in handling large-scale emergencies. By simulating crisis scenarios in a collaborative, discussion-based setting, the exercise allowed participants to review their roles and responsibilities, identify gaps in plans and procedures, and enhance their overall emergency preparedness.
Desktop exercises are an effective tool for organizations to assess their emergency response capabilities without the disruption and cost of a full-scale drill. They enable teams to practice their incident management skills in a low-risk environment, ultimately improving their ability to respond effectively during real-world crises.