First responders train for shooter at Saskatoon airport

First responders swarmed Saskatoon’s airport Wednesday morning in a training exercise designed to simulate an active shooter situation.

Around 9 a.m., Saskatoon police officers came rushing into the arrivals area with guns drawn. Paramedics tended to mock patients in a make-shift triage set up in the baggage claim area.

The patients, who were actors helping out with the exercise, were taken away on stretchers with some dripping fake blood. Fire crews were also on scene.

“Everyone walked away with a feeling that these types of exercises are very valuable to all of the emergency services, well as to our partners, specifically the airport authority,” said Andrew Williamson with MD Ambulance. “Each agency will take back individual learnings.”

Public Safety Canada, West Jet and the Saskatoon Health Region also took part in the exercise.

The airport stayed open during the event and the Saskatoon airport authority went to great lengths to ensure no was caught off guard.