OG 4036 Halifax Airport Emergencies

Issued By:      OPERATIONS (B. Clarke)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher
Date of Issue: 1998/11/04
Revision Date: 2009/11/30

PURPOSE: 

The purpose of this Operating Guideline is to provide the framework for the initial response to all “ground side” emergency calls at Halifax Stanfield International Airport facilities. 

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this operating guideline is to ensure the safety and security of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency members and AERS. 

SCOPE:

This Operating Guideline will be distributed to and used by all initial responding emergency services, unless otherwise directed by Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE).

PROCEDURE: 

•    When a call is received reporting a structure fire, the 911 Dispatch will dispatch the appropriate apparatus.

•    Response Service (AERS) and request a mutual aid response.

•    On arrival at the scene the AERS will assume command and shall notify the responding units of the conditions found at the scene. The AERS will take the necessary actions which the emergency dictates and what their resources allow.

•    The first arriving officers of HRFE will assume command after conferring with AERS. 

•    If the reported structure fire after investigation is discovered to be a false alarm or can be easily handled by AERS, this information will be forwarded to the responding units. The nearest engine to the airport will down grade and continue to the scene Code 3. AERS personnel should remain at the scene until the HRFE Engine arrives, conditional on responses and primary objective (airside).

ALARM SYSTEMS

The same response will be used as that of a structure fire. On arrival at the scene the AERS person will proceed to the scene and assess the situation. AERS personnel should then relay the pertinent information to the responding HRFE responders.

The AERS will take the appropriate action that the emergency dictates and what their resources allow. Upon arrival, the HRFE Officer will confer with the AERS and then assume command.

If the alarm system is activated by accident or no problem is found, all responding units except one engine will return to quarters. The nearest engine will down grade and continue Code 3 to the scene. AERS personnel will remain at the scene until the nearest HRFE engine arrives, conditional on responses and primary objective (Airside).

MEDICAL RESPONSE

When a call is received reporting a medical emergency, 911 Dispatch will contact the Airport Emergency Response Service and request their response. If additional resources are required or AERS personnel are unable to respond, 911 Dispatch shall request a response from HRFE.

AIR SIDE RESPONSE

When a call is received for assistance from AERS to respond to an Airside emergency, 911 Dispatch will respond the requested resources. All incoming resources will proceed to the staging area parking lot just to the left past the Petro Canada Service Station unless directed elsewhere. Airport Security will escort HRFE responders to the Airside call. No HRFE responders shall travel Airside unless escorted by someone from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport Authority.

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the procedure utilized for responses to “ground side “emergency calls at the Halifax International Airport Facilities.