| The Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department held a training class at the Adirondack Regional Airport on Thursday, March 25, 2010. Bob Nadon and Ron Muncil did an excellent job of presenting the informative training session for various aircraft emergency response scenarios at the airport.
The training class was an essential first step in aircraft accident awareness training for first responders. The complex aircraft systems present unique challenges and hazards for firefighters. The specialized Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) equipment, including the aircraft crash fire rescue truck can complicate mutual aide responses as well. Aircraft accidents, and airports in general, present unique hazards that all responders need to be aware of. Bob and Ron provided critical training necessary to bridge the gap between structural firefighting and aircraft firefighting. Additionally, the airport hosts a tabletop exercise every year to review the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) and incorporates comments and suggestions for improved mutual aid response and communication.
Bob and Ron also presented a PowerPoint presentation on proper procedures for vehicle movements on the airfield to reduce the chances of a secondary incident. It is surprisingly easy for anyone, even seasoned airport employees, to become disoriented while responding to an aircraft accident scene.
Anyone who would like more information or additional training on aircraft emergency response should contact Bob Nadon or Ross Dubarry. Airport employees attend a 40-hour initial training course and annual recurrent training including a live fire burn with a full-scale mock up at the Northeast Fire Training Center http://www.monroecc.edu/depts/pstc/nftc.htm in Rochester, NY. |
