Safety preps base for SkyFest

Published March 25, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- While guests attending SkyFest 2014 enjoy the premiere performers, numerous static displays and vendors at Fairchild Air Force Base May 31 to June 1, base members will be working hard to ensure the safety of its event patrons.

In the rare event a safety mishap or medical emergency occurs, base medical technicians and members from the base's safety office will be patrolling the airfield and parking lots so that they're able to respond in a timely fashion.

"We will be out and among the crowds keeping an eye on things so that if something were to happen, we can get the appropriate personnel to handle the situation," said Lt. Col. Jeff Wallace, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing chief of safety.

"First aid is handled by the medics," Wallace said. "Members of the safety office will make sure medics are available everywhere people, looking for anybody that may need assistance."

Heat stroke and heat related injuries, sprains and minor cuts are some common ailments typically encountered in crowded summer events, Wallace said. The summer heat increases the importance of proper hydration and appropriate clothing.

"It's the safety office's goal that no one gets hurt and has an enjoyable time. I believe this can and should happen, because we've been preparing for the air show for quite some time."

He noted his office also evaluates the performer's safety records as part of the approval process before agreeing to allow the acts to perform in order to ensure crowd safety.

"We want to have a safe and great air show for everybody," the colonel said. "The air show is our opportunity to show off the capabilities of the Air Force to our tax paying citizens."

If an emergency does occur, Wallace said a contingency plan is in place and the appropriate level of assistance will be available.

All visitors are subject to search by security forces and will not be allowed to pass through security with any of the following items:
- Weapons of any kind including pocket knives, pocket tools, scissors, box cutters, billy clubs, large-heavy chain-link jewelry or belts, mace and pepper spray.
- As Fairchild is a federal installation, marijuana is strictly prohibited

Outside food	Firearm (any type)
Toys resembling firearms	Skateboards, heelies, roller skates or roller blades
Spray paint and silly string	Glass containers (any kind)
Alcohol	Illegal drugs
Bicycles	Fireworks
Coolers	Back packs, ruck sacks
Pets	Medical Marijuana