Fire fighters practice life-saving skills

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Rich Curry
  • 507Air Refueling Wing
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  In a career field where life-saving and life-threatening situations can occur within a heart beat apart, staying at the peak of your ability is of utmost importance.

So it was with the 507th Air Refueling Wing's Civil Engineer firefighters during their January drill as they practiced their aircrew extraction training.

"We practice aircrew extraction a minimum of 4 times per year," said Chief Master Sergeant Don Meadows, 507th Fire Chief. "It is so important to prepare ourselves on what to expect and plan as much as possible for the unexpected."

Of the various requirements for firefighters, the aircrew extraction process is one of the most physically demanding activities. "Because we're talking about an environment where fire, heat, or heavy smoke is involved, our members are completely suited up in their Fire Proximity bunkers, with SCBA's (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) approximately 85 pounds of extra weight. They have to get into the aircraft quickly, find any victims and get out quickly."

If getting into the aircraft wasn't challenging enough, getting out safely is now complicated by the fact that the firefighters are now carrying a 175 pound victim as well.

"This is a big challenge, even during a practice extraction such as the one we just completed," Chief Meadows said. "We have to pay close attention to our Operational Risk Measures and ensure both the firefighters and potential victims are safe at all times."

Now imagine conducting this same exercise in a chemical environment. Firefighters must don their Chemical Ensemble and then put their bunkers and SCBA over that. This not only increases the weight but more importantly, it increases the core body temperature dramatically. In this mode, MOPP 4 Firefighting, firefighters could potentially respond in Red or Black Initial Release, depending on the priority. Again Operational Risk Measures are a major concern.

Chief Meadows stated that the quality training his firemen receive could not happen without the dedicated support of the Tinker Air Force Base Fire Chief. "Chief Terry Ford and the 72nd ABW Fire Department are extremely supportive of the Reserve ensuring we have full use of the Firefighting Vehicles as well as any support and assistance we require."

In the end, comes the realization that while aircrew members hope they never have to see them, they pray they're always there if they're ever needed.