Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Procedures and Advancements

Running Head: AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIREFIGHTING

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Procedures and Advancements

Robert J. Thurber

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Abstract

This paper outlines important advancements in aircraft crash survivability; Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF). ARFF will be discussed in three sections, a brief description of what ARFF entails, how it is accomplished, and future advancements.

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting

This paper outlines important advancements in aircraft crash survivability; Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF). ARFF will be discussed in three sections, a brief description of what ARFF entails, how it is accomplished, and future advancements. ARFF encompasses the techniques, tactics and skills utilized to maximize the number of survivors of an aircraft crash. This involves the use of specialized and sophisticated equipment, implementation of specific strategies and tactics with priority being placed on rescuing the greatest number of survivors in the shortest period of time.

ARFF Techniques and Strategies

In ARFF the emphasis is more heavily placed toward rescue than in traditional structural firefighting. With potentially 300 or more victims, all available resources must concentrate on the rescue effort. ARFF’s strategic priorities differ from other types of firefighting scenarios due to the combustibles involved in an aircraft crash, the physical forces which are experienced and the potentially large number of occupants. This often involves the tactical decision to ignore fires until after the rescue of passengers and crew is accomplished. Techniques initially employed in the response are geared toward extending the escape window to allow for faster evacuation of passengers and crew.

.Aviation fuels burn at extremely high...