Emergency Response Protocol/Training/Equipment

[Rich Walenda]

Hello:

At today’s meeting the topic of emergency response protocols and equipment was brought up.  I know members of Sky Soaring have safety in mind and there is a first aid kit in the hangar.

Unfortunately, due to the construction bottleneck at the gate area and our somewhat remote location we should consider enhancing our emergency training and equipment.  It is a 10 minute ride from the Hampshire Fire Protection District station to our location.  That 10 minutes assumes they are already sitting in the trucks ready to respond.  It is possible that our airport may be used by a transient airplane in distress making an emergency landing due to a mechanical or medical situation.  We also have day members and guests that may have preexisting medical conditions that we do not know about.

I agree with John that we should have a rescue kit ready at the hangar.  We should also update our first aid kit.  I do not have any idea how many of our members are CPR/AED, First Aid, First Responder, or EMT trained but getting some first aid and/or CPR training for our members can be accomplished.

For awareness training the FAA offers “First Responder Safety at a Small Aircraft or Helicopter Accident” at https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/first_responders/

As small aircraft and helicopters have become more complex, technology has provided systems that have enhanced operational safety. In the event of an accident, many of these systems have presented additional hazards to first responders or any potential rescuer at an aircraft accident scene. The FAA, in cooperation with General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), various manufacturers and first responder professional organizations, has developed training for safety at an aircraft accident scene. While the material was initially developed for firefighters, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and police, it provides useful information for any persons that may come across an aircraft accident. (Flash Player is required to view each module.)

As the description states the modules were developed for police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel who already have basic emergency medical training.  We can get our members first aid and CPR training if that is desired.  (The Red Cross or American Heart Association does charge about $60 for CPR/AED certification and supply fees per person, but the Hampshire Fire Protection District does state: “We offer CPR, first aid, fire evacuation drills, fire extinguisher training and we have a residential smoke detector program to name a few“.)  We can also invite the local police, fire, and rescue squads to our location for an orientation of our airport and what kind of aircraft and equipment we have.   They may be able to provide some free or low cost training and perhaps equipment – it does not hurt to ask.

At a future meeting we can also discuss the available training from the FAA in recognizing hyperventilation; ear block; Fitness for Flight – alcohol, emotion, fatigue, hypoxia, stress, and vision; and safety belt usage. (Note: all of this is covered in the FAR/AIM).  Consider this a plug for ground school that is offered 🙂

Thanks for bringing up the topic and looking out for the safety of our membership!

Regards,

Rich

 

 

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