The Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) unit of Mangaluru International Airport has enhanced the mandatory protocols prescribed by the airport as per strict norms defined by the aviation sector.
The airport has strengthened the unit by recruiting mandatory numbers at this Category 7 (seven) airport. From 37 ARFF personnel in 2020, the airport has increased the number of personnel to 72 in order to effectively serve the stakeholders. This enables the ARFF to have 17 personnel per shift as against the earlier 12, giving them an operational edge, a release from the airport said.
A significant operational milestone was achieved in October 2021 when the unit ensured operational readiness of all five airport crash fire tenders which included three crash fire tenders and two rapid intervention vehicles. The ARFF campus has been completely renovated including the Emergency Medical Center which was commissioned in 2010. The unit has also introduced DCP type fire extinguishers.
ARFF personnel have also completed pressure fed fuel firefighting course in Goa with the assistance of ONGC for future requirement.
Ongoing swimming and proposed mountainous terrain rescue training for its personnel, assisted by units specializing in such rescue systems, will only add to the overall professional potential of this relatively young, fit and agile force.
With a view to increase operational efficiency and be future ready, ARFF has acquired new water pumps, safety suits for its personnel, and has started in-house foam induction ratio testing.
The unit is in the process of procuring necessary equipment including two ambulances, which will help the unit to become self-reliant and ready to deal with emergencies with ease, the release said.
Realizing that collaboration with their counterparts in Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services and other fire and emergency service units from nearby industrial units is important, the ARFF unit continues to strengthen this bond for mutual assistance in times of crisis. ARFF is also contemplating to formalize this arrangement with the concerned units in the form of MoU. Said it.