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Richard Marinucci |
A long time ago, I attended a very basic class regarding aircraft emergencies, essentially about crashes. I don't recall attending any classes on the topic since.
This is an example of "out of sight, out of mind" in that the vast majority of fire departments and firefighters do not really expect this type of event to occur in their jurisdiction. Perhaps it is time to review your background in this area and consider training in some of the basics needed for a professional response to such emergencies.
Sometimes a reminder that something could occur is necessary to generate the planning and training that would provide a great response that takes care of the emergency and offers the appropriate safety measures for firefighters. It seems that the further we get from an emergency the more likely we are to neglect our responsibilities to be ready. Although it has been a long time since an organization I'm affiliated with responded to this type of incident, I have responded to a single-engine plane that crashed into a garage two houses from where I lived. I have also responded to a couple of minor helicopter crashes. Because of the infrequency, my confidence level in this area is not as high as it should be.
Airport Resources
Aircraft events are most likely to occur on airport property or nearby. This is good, because airport firefighters regularly and routinely train and prepare for such events even though crashes are rare. They continue to work on their skills and knowledge and have apparatus and equipment specifically designed for the emergencies that might occur. On occasion, this is not the case. Departments, especially those on a flight path, must train and review regularly for incidents of this type even though the risk is relatively low.
Those looking for resources to help prepare them for aircraft emergencies should start with nearby airports staffed for response. They are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and are very knowledgeable. They almost always are willing to offer their expertise to help others that are not as well versed as they are. This also applies to those near military airports. Good relationships are always beneficial, and the closer you are to an airport or along flight paths, the more you need to know. Though infrequent, a crash can create a significant challenge to any department depending on the type of aircraft, the amount of fuel on board, and where the crash occurs.
In most cases, crashes do not present rescue opportunities for those on the plane. Still, there are instances where proper actions by rescuers have saved victims. It could be a case of knowing enough and being prepared in those rare instances. In addition, organizations should consider the possibility of crashes from aircraft other than fixed-wing types. Because of their design, they often have greater potential for survival.
Aircraft Types
There are more types of aircraft than I can list. To simplify, we would classify aircraft as commercial or private, jet or prop, fixed-wing or rotary, or even passive such as hot air balloons. Although I don't think a typical fire department or its personnel will ever possess the knowledge of airport crash crews regarding specifics on various aircraft, there should be some minimum familiarity and understanding. Responders should know about some of the special hazards they may face based on aircraft construction and what they carry, from fuel to cargo.
Large commercial jets do not crash as frequently as private planes, including both jets and props. The odds of the average firefight