Different types of heliports all over the world can present a big challenge to all the staff and personnel employed in aviation. Since air transport is still on the rise, we can predict that the number of heliport types will increase in the upcoming years, which consequently also means greater risk of possible accidents and incidents. Surface level heliports are found mostly at airports, which means that equipment and extinguishing agents are easily accessible and airport firefighters and rescue teams are always there in case of any problems. However, the situation at elevated heliports, usually mounted on hospitals, is completely different, and scenarios in the event of fire are highly complex and pose a real challenge to firefighters, since the use of rescue equipment and extinguishing agents is often limited and firefighters need specific knowledge in order to successfully act in the event of an incident.
The participants, working together as a team and armed with appropriate firefighting equipment and appliances, will experience the following scenarios:
- live fire observation and approach decision-making;
- fuel spill fire;
- cabin fire;
- engine fire;
- helicopter fire at heliport, extinguishing using portable monitors.
On completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- explain the typical infrastructure of heliports;
- understand helicopter construction;
- identify hazards associated with commercial, rescue and military helicopters;
- understand the concepts, principles and theory of helicopter firefighting and rescue tactics;
- define the level of protection required at heliports based on helicopter category;
- implement tactics and strategies, including tactical approach, initial attack, selection and application of extinguishing agents;
- perform search and rescue operations.