Airfield Rescue Service (ARS) – Comprehensive Glossary Guide

Definition and Scope

Airfield Rescue Service (ARS) is a specialized emergency response unit within airport operations, tasked with immediate intervention in aviation-related incidents. ARS is synonymous with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) in the US and Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) in ICAO contexts. Its jurisdiction covers all airport property, including runways, taxiways, aprons, hangars, fuel storage areas, and support facilities.

ARS responds to a broad spectrum of emergencies: aircraft accidents, fires, hazardous material (HAZMAT) incidents, medical emergencies, and mass evacuation events. The presence of ARS is mandatory for airports handling scheduled commercial flights, with operational standards linked to the largest aircraft regularly using the aerodrome, per ICAO Annex 14 .

Key ARS Functions:

• Rapid deployment to aircraft incidents on runways, taxiways, and aprons.
• Fire suppression involving aircraft, fuel, or airport infrastructure.
• Rescue and evacuation of passengers, crew, and staff.
• Hazardous material management and containment.
• Provision of emergency medical care until advanced responders arrive.

Terminology Table:

Purpose and Significance

The primary purpose of ARS is to minimize loss of life and property during airport emergencies. ARS teams are equipped and trained for rapid, effective intervention—most critically in the first minutes following an incident, which are decisive for survival and containment.

Operational Significance:

• Immediate Intervention: ARS must reach any point on the operational runway within three minutes (ICAO Annex 14).
• Protecting Critical Infrastructure: ARS prevents escalation of fires and hazardous events that could disrupt airport operations.
• Regulatory Compliance: ARS presence and performance are prerequisites for airport certification.
• Assurance for Stakeholders: Airlines, passengers, and insurers depend on robust ARS for risk mitigation.

Broader Impact:
ARS often supports community emergency preparedness and can provide mutual aid to local fire departments, enhancing overall public safety.

Roles and Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

• Emergency Response: Immediate deployment to any airside or landside incident involving aircraft, facilities, or hazardous materials.
• Rescue and Extrication: Removing trapped individuals using specialized tools and techniques.
• Fire Suppression: Extinguishing fires with water, foam, dry chemicals, and CO₂.
• HAZMAT Management: Identifying, containing, and neutralizing hazardous spills or releases.
• Medical Aid: Providing first aid and triage until advanced medical responders arrive.
• Evacuation: Assisting in the orderly evacuation of at-risk individuals.

Support Functions

• Coordination with ATC: Safely moving on airside surfaces and receiving real-time updates.
• Incident Command: Establishing unified command at complex incidents, often integrating with external emergency agencies.
• Investigation and Reporting: Preserving the scene for investigation and documenting actions taken.

Team Structure

Regulatory Context

International Standards (ICAO)

ICAO Annex 14 sets the global standard for ARS/RFFS:

• Response Time: ARS vehicles must reach any point on the operational runway within three minutes from alarm (Annex 14, Vol. 1).
• Service Level: The ARS category is based on the largest aircraft using the airport, specifying minimum water, foam, and agent capacities.
• Training: Initial and recurrent training, including annual live fire drills, is mandatory for all ARS staff.

References:

• ICAO Annex 14 – Aerodromes

National Standards

• FAA (US): 14 CFR Part 139 mandates ARFF services at certificated airports.
• UK CAA: CAP 168

Airports undergo regular audits to verify compliance with these standards.

Equipment and Vehicles

Primary Equipment

• ARFF Vehicles: Purpose-built trucks with high-capacity water/foam tanks (2,000–12,000 gallons), turrets, and extendable booms.
• Rapid Intervention Vehicles (RIVs): Smaller, agile units for initial response.
• Ambulances and Command Vehicles: For triage and scene coordination.

Rescue Tools and PPE

• Hydraulic Tools: Spreaders and cutters for extrication.
• Ladders, Ropes, Harnesses: For aircraft access.
• Thermal Imaging Cameras: Locating victims and heat sources.
• Fire Proximity Suits, SCBA: Protection from heat and smoke.

Specialized Equipment

• Decontamination Units and Spill Kits: For hazardous material incidents.
• Scene Lighting: For night or low-visibility response.

Personnel Training and Qualifications

Training Requirements

• Initial Training: Airport familiarization, aircraft types, fire suppression, rescue, communications.
• Recurrent Training: Annual live fire drills, HAZMAT response, medical aid, scenario-based exercises.
• Certification: National firefighter and ARFF/ICAO certification required; regular medical and fitness checks.

Professional Development:
Advanced courses and multi-agency exercises are encouraged for career progression.

References:

• ICAO Training
• FAA ARFF Training

Operational Procedures

Emergency Response Workflow

1. Alarm/Notification: Incident detected by ATC or operations; ARS alerted.
2. Dispatch: Vehicles and personnel deploy along safe routes.
3. On-Scene Assessment: Determine hazards, casualties, and priorities.
4. Rescue and Suppression: Evacuation and fire/hazard control.
5. Medical Triage: Stabilization and handover to EMS.
6. Hazard Containment: Fuel spill and HAZMAT management.
7. Command and Communication: Incident command post and multi-agency coordination.
8. Post-Incident Recovery: Scene securing and report documentation.

Coordination

• ATC: Movement and clearance.
• Airport Operations: Area closures and support.
• External Agencies: Fire, police, EMS, environmental response.

References:

• FAA Emergency Procedures

Safety Protocols and Compliance

• Emergency Plan: ARS operates under a comprehensive written plan covering all scenarios.
• Daily Readiness Checks: Vehicles, equipment, and PPE inspected each shift.
• Incident Reporting: All incidents and near misses are reported and reviewed.
• Ongoing Training: Regular drills and refresher courses.
• PPE Use: Full protective equipment during response.

Use Cases and Examples

• Aircraft Accident: ARS responds within three minutes, suppresses fire, extricates passengers, contains fuel spill, coordinates with EMS.
• Engine Fire: ARS applies foam, evacuates safely, monitors for re-ignition.
• Hazardous Spill: ARS contains and neutralizes, coordinates with environmental authorities.
• Medical Emergency: ARS stabilizes patient with AED until ambulance arrives.
• Emergency Exercise: ARS leads full-scale simulation with interagency collaboration.

Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations

Further Reading and References

• ICAO Annex 14 — Aerodromes
• Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (Wikipedia)
• FAA 14 CFR Part 139
• UK CAA CAP 168

If you have further questions about ARS, its standards, or implementation, please refer to the FAQ section above or consult the official ICAO and FAA resources.