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Sunday, March 28, 2010

ARFF TRAINING: First Responder Safety


















Training and being prepared to do what is at hand is important for any critical job. Knowing before hand, or at least having the general knowledge of what is expected of you on any fire ground scene is equally important.

In the Fire Protection Service, if you’re a paid or a volunteer fire fighter, getting and having the required training is of core importance for each one of us. Passing along pertinent training information can only enhance one's ability to perform as best they can when called upon.

We all know as Fire Fighters, EMS and Police that we get “SAFETY” drilled into our heads during all our training classes. There should be no compromise to safety.

In Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) there are many hazards at the crash of an aircraft and the surrounding crash site. On all the responses on ARFF incidents I ensured that I’m safe on my approach into the scene and watch how the fire ground may develop as well as keeping my eyes open to watch my fellow fire fighter’s back. By doing so I knew the fire fighters I’m responding with will be watching my back.

As small aircraft and helicopters have become more complex, technology has provided systems that have enhanced operational safety. In the event of an accident, many of these systems have presented additional hazards to first responders or any potential rescuer at an aircraft accident scene.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in cooperation with General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), various manufacturers and first responder professional organizations, has developed training for safety at an aircraft accident scene with the following training modules:

(Click To View):

(27:06 minutes)


(10:46 minutes)

(21:38 minutes)

(27:20 minutes)

The primary purpose and goal at any ARFF emergency is to save lives, just like for any Fire Fighting or EMS situation or response. ARFF emergencies have very unique and specialize situations that could entail a combination of a house fire, motor vehicle fire, haz-mat, and medical emergency at one aircraft crash site. Safety is and always will be paramount on any emergency response.

ARFF fire fighters are trained to establish what is called a rescue path to the aircraft once at a crash site, and prepared to battle large volumes of acrid smoke, rapid heat build up, fight fire, lots of fire depending on the amount of fuel is being carried on the aircraft, and perform rescue. The ARFF fire fighter receives training includes structural firefighting tactics, aircraft familiarization, confined-space training, aircraft rescue, vehicle familiarization and aircraft egress.

I feel the above FAA’s training modules are a great training resource for those emergency responders that may be called upon from local community fire departments, medical squads, and law enforcement agencies. Incorporating these FAA Training Modules into a fire department’s or other agency’s training program can only increase the First Responders awareness of the many dangerous hazards that could be present at a aircraft crash site.

Lets Be Safe Out There!

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; this is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

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