Chapter 1 Embracing the Challenge
Objectives Understand the importance of aircraft rescue firefighting training Understand how all fires and emergencies are unique, yet alike Understand an aircraft accident can happen anytime or anywhere Understand you may be first on scene and, if so, the initial steps you must take to control an event
Objectives (con t.) Understand various players roles during an aircraft accident Understand the different types of aircraft that may frequent local airports Understand applicable regulations for aircraft rescue firefighting operations
Introduction Airplane in flight is a symphony of systems and subsystems The larger the aircraft, the more systems it requires Under stressful conditions, these systems become dangerous to first responders Training is essential to protect rescuers in an aircraft emergency event
The Importance of Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Training (ARFF) Disaster-response tactics evolve continually Continuing education and training with the latest information is crucial Success of skilled responder depends on: Planning Study Regular training
All Fires and Emergencies are Alike, Yet Unique Majority of aircraft accidents contain more collective and diverse hazards in a concentrated area than other transportation accidents Responders and planners need: Fundamental knowledge of aircraft construction and hazards Specialized resources to mitigate dangers Fundamental procedures for dealing with aviation accidents
All Fires and Emergencies are Alike, Yet Unique (con t.) Preplanning for specific incidents or hazardous occurrences Water or other fire-extinguishing agents Crash site and specialized personnel Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Guidelines (SOGs) Mass casualty incident (MCI) Hazardous materials
The Ways in Which Aircraft Accidents Are Similar to Other Emergencies Basic characteristics or phases Call for help Response to provide assistance Situation assessment Scene control Action Termination Post-emergency review
The Ways in Which Aircraft Accidents Are Unique Airplanes fires are potentially toxic Airplanes carry various contents Military: explosive weapons, munitions Private/Cargo: carry a wide assortment of commodities Commercial/Passenger: people, baggage, freight, and parcels
Anytime, Anywhere Examples of how the unexpected can occur: Large Boeing 767 in Canada Plane lost power in both engines Emergency landing at an abandoned military airfield Twin-engine DC-9 passenger jet in Georgia Hail caused emergency landing on a rural highway Plane crashed into a tree and broke apart 81 passengers, 21 survived
Anytime, Anywhere (con t.) Examples (con t.): 30-passenger commuter plane crashed in a Georgia field F-117 stealth fighter crash at Sequoia National Park, CA Air Force U-2 aircraft crashed in downtown Oroville, CA
Case Study Two general aviation (private) airplanes collided over a remote area of Southern California First plane fatally crashed into a grove of trees Second plane was struck by the first, ripping the roof off and breaking the control panel Plane landed on a dirt airstrip, due to training and pre-planning from the pilot California Highway Patrol Officers were first at the scene of both crash sites
Figure 1-1 As a result of frequent training and emergency preplanning, the pilot of this battered airplane skillfully made a dead stick landing on a busy street in a Midwestern city. Despite the severe damage to the plane, none of the aircraft s occupants and none of the people on the ground were injured.
Who is First on Scene? First responders (primary responders) are normally law enforcement personnel 80% of all aircraft accidents occur in the critical rescue and firefighting access area Defined as the primary response area for airportbased ARFF services 15% of accidents occur in aircraft runway areas Community/mutual air fire/emergency response agencies are most likely to be the primary responders
Various Roles at an Aircraft Incident First on scene: Take command Perform a thorough site assessment. Gain control of the scene Delegate inbound responders (or even bystanders) to help with plane passengers Relocate onlookers and passengers into safe areas
Various Roles at an Aircraft Incident (con t.) Once inbound responders arrive: Perform a transfer of command to a qualified responder via full face-to-face briefing Announce the transfer of command over the radio
Various Roles at an Aircraft Incident (con t.) If command is retained, provide clear and concise directions to fellow first responders Ensure that the scene is preserved Keep unauthorized personnel away from the accident site Keep a log of everyone inside the cordon Record events and your actions on paper
Aircraft That Frequent Your Local Airport Is your agency close to a military airfield, a commercial airport, or a private airport? Study the basic configurations, hazards and various aircraft using a flight path above your community Prepare for emergencies and maintain a Standard Operating Procedure or Standard Operating Guidelines
Aircraft That Frequent Your Local Airport (con t.) Reference multiple sources of information Learn about all types of aircraft (small, medium, large) in case of a diversion Efficient emergency responders train for: Proper fire suppression Rescue-extrication Incident management
Setting Standards for ARFF Operations ARFF has standards requiring specialized skills and training National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Independent, voluntary, and nonprofit association Goal: reduce loss of lives and property from aircraft emergencies Source of research and education for all subjects relating to fire and its prevention
Setting Standards for ARFF Operations (con t.) NFPA is composed of various committees including the Aviation Section Aviation Section s Objectives Encourage a greater understanding of safety aspects as applied to aircraft and airport facilities Creating an environment of mutual understanding and cooperation among the many professional disciplines Creating opportunities for leaders to emerge and to attain recognition by their peers through elective office
NFPA Standards NFPA 402: Guide for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Operations describes operational procedures for both airport and structural fire departments faced with rescue and fire fighting responsibilities for non-military aircraft. NFPA 403: Standard for ARFF at Airports Minimum requirements for ARFF provided at airports NFPA 405: Recommended Practice for the Recurring Proficiency Training of ARFF Performance requirements
NFPA Standards (con t.) NFPA 418: Standard for Heliports Minimum requirements for fire protection for heliports and rooftop hangars NFPA 422: Guide for Aircraft Accident/Incident Response Assessment Investigation team assistance for information gathering and in assessing the effectiveness of aircraft accident/incident emergency response services
NFPA Standards (con t.) NFPA 424: Guide for Airport/Community Emergency Planning Describes the elements of an airport/community emergency plan for before, during, and after an emergency NFPA 1001: Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications Identifies the minimum job performance requirements for firefighters
NFPA Standards (con t.) NFPA 1003: Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional Outlines job performance requirements Specifies age, minimum educational, and medical requirements in accordance with NFPA 1582 Federal Aviation Administration: FAR Part 139 Outlines specific knowledge and skills related to the aviation firefighting environment
Summary Understand aircraft emergencies Importance of aircraft rescue firefighting training Fires and emergencies Unique properties of aircraft accidents How aircraft accidents can happen anytime or anywhere
Summary (con t.) Understand aircraft emergencies (con t.) Initial steps you must take to control the event if you are the first on scene Various players roles during an aircraft accident Different aircraft that may frequent your local airport(s) Regulations for ARFF operations