DULLES, Va. (7News) — Local, state, and federal agencies joined forces Wednesday at Dulles International Airport for a comprehensive emergency response exercise simulating the arrival of a contagious and unknown virus in the country.
The drill, which began in Toronto, Canada, involved four Americans acting as if they were infected with an infectious disease. First responders transported them on a 747 aircraft equipped with a new portable biocontainment unit.
Doctors and ambulances were on standby on the tarmac, ready to transport the simulated patients to area hospitals. Despite the alarming scenario of an unknown virus in the DMV area, Dr. Shane Kappler, the medical director of MedStar Hospitals Biocontainment Group, reassured residents.
“Honestly this is the safest place to live and I truly believe that. There’s never been an incident or any type of escape of a pathogen and frankly what I tell people is I’m happy this is here it makes me feel safer for my family,” said Dr. Kappler…