Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting

6th Edition

Chapter 6 — Rescue

Recognize safety considerations for the use of ARFF rescue tools and equipment.

Learning Objective 1

6–2

Aircraft rescue tools include both hand and power tools.

6–3

Courtesy of O

rlando International Airport Fire R

escue

Safety on scene requires wearing PPE, proper equipment use, and good communication.

6–4

ARFF personnel must take precautions when performing rescue operations in potentially flammable atmospheres.

6–5

WARNING

ARFF personnel should use a flammable gas detector when entering a flammable atmosphere.

6–6

Aircraft stabilization must be constantly monitored.

6–7

CAUTION

When heavy equipment is used to stabilize an aircraft, the keys should be removed from the vehicles and given to the Incident Commander in order to prevent the unplanned movement of the vehicle.

6–8

REVIEW QUESTION

How can the use of certain tools in a flammable atmosphere create danger for ARFF personnel?

6–9

Identify tools and equipment used in ARFF rescue operations.

Learning Objective 2

6–10

Hand tools rely on human force to transmit power to the tool.

6–11

Power tools used in rescue can have different energy sources.

6–12

Two types of saws are commonly used for rescue operations.

6–13

CAUTION

ARFF personnel must be aware of the aircraft construction in order to avoid cutting areas of the aircraft that may create safety hazards for the rescuers or passengers.

6–14

Other types of power tools provide different means of accessing aircraft.

6–15

CAUTION

Hydraulic spreaders may project metal fragments in all directions during rescue operations. In addition, some hydraulic tools are heavy and may need to be operated by two rescue personnel. In flammable areas, rescue workers should consider using hydraulic spreaders and cutters because they do not produce sparks (as opposed to an electric power unit or a gas-driven unit). They also do not produce the type of noise that is associated with a gas-driven unit.

6–16

WARNING

Be aware of the potentially flammable atmosphere of the aircraft accident/incident. When using power tools around aircraft, always wear complete protective gear, including SCBA. Have a charged foam handline in place and utilize a flammable gas meter.

6–17

Pneumatic (air) tools can also perform numerous cutting tasks.

6–18

Ultra high pressure watering tools are a new innovation.

6–19

WARNING

Never use compressed oxygen to power pneumatic tools. Mixing pure oxygen with grease or oils found on the tools will result in a fire or violent explosion.

6–20

Lifting and pulling tools may be necessary to rescue victims or gain interior access.

6–21

WARNING

Truck-mounted winches should be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Failure to follow such specifications as the maximum weight limits may cause the winch to fail, injuring or killing the operators or personnel in the immediate area. ARFF personnel should always wear full protective clothing to include gloves and eye protection during winching operations.

6–22

Keep safety considerations in mind when using lighting and electrical equipment.

6–23

Use the following safety tips when working around electricity.

6–24

The following electrical equipment is integral to successful ARFF operations.

6–25

Other types of equipment may be useful for ARFF operations.

6–26

Cou

rtesy

of D

oddy

Pho

togr

aphy

Each ARFF organization determines the amount, type, and usage of first aid equipment carried.

6–27

Courtesy of Jim

Prendergast, P

enhold Fire Departm

ent

REVIEW QUESTION

List common power tools used in ARFF rescue operations.

6–28

Describe procedures for ARFF rescue in various environments.

Learning Objective 3

6–29

Following an accident, victims may self-evacuate, require assistance, or require extrication.

6–30

Each ARFF organization should establish one or more rescue teams.

6–31

NOTE

Two trained fire fighting personnel should be standing by as a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).

6–32

Fire fighting and rescue operations are more difficult and dangerous in certain environments or terrains.

6–33

Courtesy of Jim

Nilo

Specialized apparatus may be required to gain access to certain environments.

6–34

Photos courtesy of R

on Jeffers

Water rescue operations pose special hazards and challenges.

6–35

WARNING

Rescuers working within 10 feet (3 m) of the waterline or on/in the water should wear flotation devices.

Rescuers working on floating wreckage should remain vigilant to avoid becoming trapped inside sinking wreckage.

6–36

WARNING

During diving operations, appropriate safety precautions must be followed: diver flags should be flown, boat operators warned that divers are in the water, and no dragging operations conducted until divers have left the water.

6–37

REVIEW QUESTION

How do difficult environments or terrains effect ARFF rescue

operations?

6–38

Describe tactics for ARFF rescue operations.

Learning Objective 4

6–39

ARFF rescue tactics have two priorities.

6–40

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the two priorities of ARFF personnel in a rescue operation?

6–41

Identify procedures for accessing the interior of an aircraft.

Learning Objective 5

6–42

Ground ladders can be used to gain access to most aircraft main entry doors and over-wing emergency exits.

6–43

WARNING

When ground ladders are in use, one or more ARFF personnel should foot or heel the ladder to prevent it from slipping or tipping at the base.

6–44

Apparatus with elevated platforms may be required to access certain points.

6–45

Courtesy of D

oddy Photography

Mobile stairs can be elevated and maneuvered into position.

6–46

ARFF personnel should train on all types of doors and hatches at their airport.

6–47

WARNING

Avoid opening access points that allow fire or toxic fumes to enter the fuselage.

6–48

ARFF personnel must be prepared to force entry into an aircraft.

6–49

CAUTION

ARFF personnel equipped with charged handlines should be assigned to ensure suppression of sparks and ignition of fuels anytime power tools are used in forcible entry operations on an aircraft.

6–50

Cut–in methods include both three- and four-sided cuts.

6–51

NOTE

When making the four-sided cut, the bottom cut should be made first to prevent the saw blade or tool from binding.

6–52

REVIEW QUESTION

What devices can be used to reach aircraft access points that are above ground?

6–53

Explains ways to safety and shut down an aircraft.

Learning Objective 6

6–54

ARFF personnel may need to shutdown and safety an aircraft.

6–55

NOTE

Some civilian passenger aircraft are equipped with passenger airbags. ARFF personnel should be trained by aircraft manufacturers or operators on the proper methods for safetying these systems.

6–56

REVIEW QUESTION

What systems may require shut down and safetying following an aircraft accident?

6–57

Describe the components of victim rescue in an ARFF response.

Learning Objective 7

6–58

Being familiar with occupant capacities and locations helps in locating victims.

6–59

Crews and passengers will initiate evacuation through normal routes in low-impact crashes.

6–60

WARNING

Heat can damage evacuation slides. ARFF personnel must protect deployed slides from fire but should avoid spraying them with foam. Foam can make the slides extremely slippery which can cause severe injuries.

6–61

A search of the aircraft may locate trapped or injured occupants after other occupants have exited.

6–62

WARNING

At all times during an aircraft accident, ARFF personnel must be alert for the presence of occupants who have exited the aircraft.

6–63

Rescuers may be required to extricate occupants trapped within the aircraft.

6–64

Triage, treatment, and transport should occur in a short period of time.

6–65

REVIEW QUESTION

How does knowledge of occupant capacity of an aircraft aid ARFF personnel in victim rescue?

6–66

These objectives are measured in Skill Sheets 6-1 – 6-8.

These skill sheets can be found in the curriculum package.This checklist corresponds with the skill steps beginning on p. 253 of the manual.

Learning Objectives 8 – 15

6–67

• ARFF personnel utilize a wide variety of hand tools and power tools at emergency scenes.

• ARFF departments should assess what tools they are likely to need before an incident and ensure that all necessary tools are easily accessible and in working order.

Summary

6–68

(Cont.)

• ARFF personnel should always use tools safely and in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

• ARFF personnel should understand the safe usage of all portable electrical and lighting equipment needed in ARFF operations.

Summary

6–69

(Cont.)

• ARFF rescue operations include assisting those occupants who have self-evacuated or are trapped inside the aircraft and require assistance to evacuate.

• The aircraft systems must be shut down and safetied to allow ARFF personnel to operate within the aircraft.

Summary

6–70

(Cont.)

• While some ARFF personnel provide fire protection for the interior operations, others conduct search and rescue operations.

• Triage should be conducted to prioritize transportation and treatment of large numbers of patients.

Summary

6–71