What is the primary role of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)?

The primary role of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) is to respond to aviation incidents, particularly those involving fires. This responsibility includes preventing and controlling fires, rescuing individuals from aircraft that are in distress, and ensuring safety procedures are followed in the event of an emergency. ARFF personnel are specially trained to handle the unique challenges that arise during aircraft emergencies, which often involve large vehicles, hazardous materials, and the need for rapid response to minimize risk to passengers and crew.

In contrast, while providing emergency medical services is crucial during an incident, it falls outside the primary scope of ARFF, which focuses specifically on fire-related situations. Similarly, conducting regular inspections of aircraft and managing passenger boarding and deboarding are vital airport operations but do not align with the ARFF's specialized mission of dealing with firefighting and rescue in the aviation environment.