Firefighting and rescue actions in the Navy seem to be more effective than those in civilian airdromes. Although the military and civilian safety manuals are based on similar principles, they differ due to their peculiarities in structure and experience. Moreover, their fire drilling exercises vary in the quantity of the drills and quality of teamwork with local emergency and medical services.
Regarding the similarities between the sea and air firefighting structures, they include the prescribed safety actions, the first aid classes, and the fire drills. For one thing, the Navy’s firefighting training and the civilian Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plan were written considering the same actions such as mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Additionally, these structures organize the training for all members and consolidate new knowledge by practicing their skills. However, this coaching may differ due to their infrastructural and locational peculiarities. For instance, reaching the place where an accident takes place can be challenging for the aerodrome members due to their large areas. Therefore, all organizations have their own Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) that correspond to their firefighting needs.
Indeed, the preparedness of the members by “expecting the unexpected and realistic training” can be beneficial in responding to the accident fast and appropriately (Lopina, 2011, p. 83). Therefore, both of these organizations test their members by organizing the fire drills. For instance, the Navy conducts drills at least once per month without prior warning. On the contrary, the aerodromes seem to hold these drills once a year by planning the accident place previously and reviewing all procedures with their members (Lopina, 2012). This can be one of the major differences between these two organizations.
What is more, the members of the Navy train themselves in collaboration with medical personnel and professional firefighters in comparison to the aerodrome members. For instance, the author shares the memory of the boot camp, in which they were tested on the knowledge about first aid after they had received medical assisting training. Thus, this training was aimed at providing similar to the real accident which involved the development of teamwork and practicing their knowledge.
In conclusion, the firefighting efforts of the Navy and civilian aerodromes can be successful as they both have the local SOGs, train their staff, and conduct fire drills. However, civilian aerodromes might need to think about developing collaborative work with other departments. Furthermore, the aerodrome members’ training would be more effective if they were “caught” unexpectedly without prior alarm.
References
Lopina, M. J. (2011). Small plane crash response. Fire Engineering, 164(11), 81-83. Web.
Lopina, M. J. (2012). Planning for ARFF and mutual aid. Fire Engineering, 165(12), 96-99. Web.