An airport firefighter is a trained emergency responder who works at an airport. These experts are dispatched to dangerous situations such as plane crashes and fuel fires in the aviation industry. These firefighters are highly trained due to the unique aspects and hazards of an airport. Special suits and response vehicles are among the tools used by aviation emergency personnel to carry out their duties.
Every firefighter has been trained to perform rescues and put out fires. However, in an airport setting, specialized knowledge is required. Fuel tanks and pumps, which can be extremely flammable, are frequently found on an airfield. Furthermore, aircraft that take off and land at airports are equipped with both fuel and oxygen tanks. This combination can quickly escalate a fire or crash into a major emergency.
A firefighter at an airport has access to special foams and chemicals designed to put out aviation fuel fires. One of the primary goals of emergency personnel in the event of a crash or fire is to evacuate passengers. To clear a path for evacuation, firefighters use handheld hoses and spray vehicles. Because of the confined space of an airplane, a quick response is often required. Many airports use crash tenders, which are fast-moving trucks that can get to an emergency location quickly.
Individual firefighters are also prepared to deal with the hazards of an airport fire. Workers are frequently protected from extreme heat by wearing a fire proximity suit. These silver-colored full-body suits are designed to reflect heat away from a firefighter. A protective suit is frequently worn in conjunction with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). A firefighter can move closer to a fire without inhaling dangerous smoke or fumes thanks to the SCBA, which provides clean air.
An airport firefighter’s job entails a significant amount of training. Many departments use aircraft fuselages to simulate plane crashes and may even set a controlled fire as part of their training. Firefighters at the airport practice drills frequently and work to reduce emergency response times. Firefighters must also train to stay in shape and participate in teamwork drills in order to form a cohesive unit.
Many countries have laws requiring firefighters to be stationed at major airports at all times. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, for example, requires an airport firefighter team to be stationed at every airfield that receives regularly scheduled airliners. After every accident, organizations like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) evaluate the performance of these firefighters and work with emergency response groups to improve response times and firefighting training.