Fire Fighting and Rescue Procedure For RFFS Personnel

SA/DOC/17
Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS)

Procedures
Air Senok Helicopter Emergencies
Senok Aviation Private Limited
1st Edition 2023

Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) Procedures

for Air Senok Helicopter Emergencies
1st Edition 2023

Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) Procedures

for Air Senok Helicopter Emergencies
1. Introduction
Air Senok is a domestic airline operator that conducts flights to and from remote landing locations,
military bases, and civil airfields throughout the country. In the event of emergencies involving
helicopters, the primary objective is to provide safe, cost-efficient, and effective fire protection and
crash rescue procedures for company-operated helicopters. This document establishes minimum
firefighting and crash rescue operating requirements that all RFFS personnel need to be familiar
with. It is important to note that while this document provides guidance, it may not cover every
possible contingency or detail every rule of crash rescue safety practice. Therefore, specialized
basic aircraft firefighting training should be pursued to supplement the information provided here.
The aim is to train personnel to respond appropriately to small fires within their capabilities and
training, as well as to conduct safe and efficient rescues of crash survivors.
Please note that this document provides general guidance and safety information concerning H125
(AS 350 B3). This document shall only be considered as a support for users to prepare their own
document and is not exhaustive. Local regulations, additional training, a nd specific circumstances
may require further procedures and actions.
1.1 Scope
The procedures outlined in this document are applicable to the following personnel:
a. Rescue personnel
b. State firefighting personnel
c. SLAF firefighting personnel
d. Air Senok staff
1.2 Aim
The aim of these procedures is to ensure helicopter safety and provide specific knowledge and
guidance on AS 350 B3 helicopters. This includes strategy and planning for crash rescue activities,
with a focus on preventing loss of life or property and facilitating the evacuation of occupants. The
effectiveness of rescue and firefighting efforts depends on various factors such as training, response
time, equipment, and care provided to survivors.
1.3 Strategy and Planning
1.3.1 Strategy
The primary objective of helicopter or ground support personnel involved in crash rescue activities
is to prevent the loss of life or property. If necessary, firefighting actions should prioritize
maintaining fuselage integrity and providing an escape path for occupants. The effectiveness of
rescue and firefighting efforts depends on training, response time, equipment effectiveness, and
prompt care for survivors.
1.3.2 Planning
Crash rescue personnel must possess the ability to improvise, as each emergency response is unique,
and accidents often unfold in unexpected ways. However, improvisation should never substitute for
fundamental skills and knowledge. Basic skills and experience serve as a foundation for effective
General Page - 1 Jan 2023

Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) Procedures 1st Edition Rev, No : 000
improvisation. Familiarity with the characteristics of the helicopters involved in accidents is
essential for an effective response and action also knowing the helicopter layout, emergency cutoff
switches and the emergency exits prior, shall help the RFFS to plan the rescue operations
competently.
1.4 Helicopter Makes and Models
Crash rescue procedures should include specific information and diagrams for frequently used
helicopters. The features of each assigned helicopter should be documented, including but not
limited to:
a. Door operations
b. Location of battery and fuel cell
c. Location of emergency shut-offs
d. Location and operation of emergency exits
e. Location and operation of the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
f. Location of the first aid kit and fire extinguisher(s)
g. Operation of crew/passenger restraint devices
1.5 Factors Influencing Planning
Tactics employed at the accident scene are dependent on many factors, including but not limited to:
a. Terrain and obstacles are present in the immediate vicinity.

b. Wind direction and intensity, which may affect firefighting and rescue operations.
c. Type of helicopter(s) involved, considering their specific characteristics and potential hazards.
d. Crew stations and passenger locations within the helicopter, impacting evacuation and rescue
efforts.
e. Location of fire within the helicopter and the extent of its involvement
f. The presence of other mission-specific equipment attached to the helicopter, such as Heli torch,
PSD (Public Safety Diver) equipment, external cargo, hazardous materials, etc.
1.6 Sequence of Actions
While accidents can vary significantly, there is a general sequence of actions to follow during rescue
and firefighting operations. These actions include, but are not limited to:
a. Promptly assessing the situation and ensuring personal safety and the safety of others
b. Activating the necessary emergency response procedures and notifying relevant authorities
c. Conducting a preliminary evaluation of the accident scene and identifying potential hazards
d. Initiating rescue operations, prioritizing the evacuation of occupants using available means of
egress
e. Implementing appropriate firefighting measures to suppress any fire or contain hazardous
materials.
f. Coordinating with other emergency response teams and agencies as needed
g. Documenting the incident for post-incident evaluation and improvement of procedures
h. It is crucial to note that the sequence of actions may be adapted based on the specific
circumstances of the accident. Flexibility, adaptability, and adherence to safety protocols are
key considerations throughout the rescue and firefighting process.

1.6.1 Approach
After receiving an alarm or when a crash has occurred, the most direct route offering the fewest
obstacles should be used. Normal precautions on approaching helicopters should be taken:
a. Approach from the front or side.

b. Approach from ground that is lower than that on which the helicopter is resting.
c. Do not approach until the rotors and other moving components are at rest.
d. The first responder should evaluate the best approach to the helicopter if the rotor blades or
other components are still moving. Considerations for the first responder include:
i. Will moving components soon come to rest?

ii. Is the pilot or other occupant attempting to shut the helicopter down?
iii. Is it a survivable accident?
iv. Is a fire or the potential for fire present?
v. Can the helicopter be approached?
If the decision is made that the first responder will shut down the aircraft, other responders should
stand by until that task is accomplished. Do not expose more personnel to a hazard than absolutely
necessary.
If a fire is present, the best approach is usually from upwind to avoid hindrance from smoke or heat.
Extinguishing agents are also more effective when applied from upwind. However, all responders
need to evaluate conditions before approaching.
When approaching the helicopter with extinguishers, engines, or other apparatus, do not block the
escape path of the occupants. Do not direct streams of extinguishing agents at them, as it could
cause disorientation.
1.6.2 Entry
When the helicopter can be safely approached and entered, the first responder should assist the
survivors in leaving the aircraft. Depending on the make and model, an entry/exit door or doors
may be found on each side of the helicopter. Smaller helicopters have doors that usually open
outward and are hinged on the forward side. The inside is fastened by a latch that is usually operated
by pulling the latch mechanism. On some helicopters, an emergency release mechanism is installed
at the hinge side and is operated by pulling on the jettison handle.
1.6.3 Rescue of Occupants

After entrance to the flight and/or passenger compartments is achieved, crash rescue personnel
should perform the following, in order:
a. Secure the area.

b. Locate and determine the condition of the occupants.
c. Evacuate uninjured occupants first, if possible
d. Evacuate injured occupants.
e. Document and/or photograph the location of any debris that must be disturbed to carry out
rescue and/or fire suppression activities.
If immediate evacuation is not possible due to wreckage configuration or occupants being trapped
within the compartment with fire present, responders should attempt to keep the fire away from the
area where personnel are trapped. All helicopter seats have seat belts that include shoulder
harnesses. Both belts and harnesses are constructed of very strong material and are difficult to cut.
Crash rescue personnel must be knowledgeable about release procedures. Release configurations

vary among makes and models of helicopters and may even vary among seats in the same
helicopter. If the belt or harness cannot be released normally, use the seat belt cutter included in the
crash rescue kit.
1.7 OFFICIAL ADDRESS
All correspondence such as clarifications, suggestions, proposal and recommendations etc. with
regard to this document should be directed to.
Capt. Ruwan Fernando

Manager Safety
Colombo Airport,
Ratmalana
Tel : +94112623922 ,
E-Mail : ruwan@senokair.com ,
Mob : +94 773647828

2. HELICOPTER SAFETY FACTORS
Working around helicopters the RFFS personnel need to be aware of the hazards and challenges
imposed during firefighting and rescue operations.
2.1 Helicopter Specific Hazards and Challenges
The main hazards that a helicopter present are:

• The main rotor: if rotating, it can cause direct damage by hitting a person or an object and
indirect damage due to the strong airflows created.
• The tail rotor: rotating at a very high speed, it is nearly invisible.
• Automatically Deployable Emergency Locator Transmitter (ADELT)
• Deployment of flotation devices
• Downwash
• Unstable undercarriage
• High pressure systems
• Aviation fuel and oils
• Entanglement in cables
• Composite materials Batteries, potentially including lithium metal types
Helicopter crash-specific challenges include:
Due to the lack of a fixed wing, a helicopter is less likely to remain upright. Heavy impact landings
cause undercarriages to collapse and may cause the helicopter to roll. Entering a helicopter on its
side presents a significant challenge for RFFS personnel, as one side is against the ground and the
other one is facing upwards. Cutting through the helicopter floor or the roof of the fuselage to gain
access is usually not an option due to the position of fuel tanks and engines.
2.2 Sample Helicopter Wreckage
Helicopter Safety and Hazards Page - 5 Jan 2023

2.3 Hazards while Approaching, boarding or disembarking helicopters

Fire and rescue service personnel may be required to approach, board or disembark from
stationary helicopters. The hazards arising from incorrect approach, boarding, and disembarking
to or from helicopters may be due to any or all of the following:
• Personnel approaching from the rear or side of the helicopter, where they cannot be observed
by the pilot.
• Personnel approaching the 'danger area' i.e. the area immediately adjacent to the tail rotor.
• Personnel approaching assuming an upright posture, or carrying equipment in an elevated
position
• Personnel approaching or disembarking on the uphill side of a helicopter on sloping ground
• Personnel approaching with communications antenna raised
• Personnel coming into contact with hot exhaust ports
• Personnel approaching or disembarking during 'engine shutdown' procedures.
2.4 Helicopter Safety Practice

• Approach and depart helicopter from the front or 45 degrees from the front, in a crouching
position; remain in view of the pilot.
• Establish eye contact with pilot or observer before approaching if rotors are moving.
• Do not approach helicopter after landing until pilot or observer signals approval to approach
aircraft.
• Approach and depart in pilot's or observer's field of vision (never towards the tail rotor).
• At no time will personnel approach the tail area of any helicopter.
• Landing zone personnel shall use eye protection or helmet face shields and ear protection.
Helmet chinstraps shall be tightened securely.
• Use a chinstrap or secure hardhat when working around main rotor.
• Keep landing areas clear of loose articles that may "fly" in the rotor down wash.


INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

3. Aircraft General Information
The Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil (or Squirrel), now Airbus Helicopters H125, is a single-engine
light utility helicopter originally designed and manufactured in France by Aérospatiale and
Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters). In North America, the AS350 is marketed as the AStar. The
AS350 B3 is "the high performance" version of the single engine ECUREUIL range. This
helicopter is powered with a TURBOMECA ARRIEL 2B1 engine of 847 shp (632 kW) and
equipped with a dual channel FADEC system (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), and third
back-up control system. It is totally suited for operations in conditions such as mountainous or
elevated areas.
3.1.1 Helicopter Description
Make: Airbus Helicopter

Model: AS 350 B3/H125
Country of Manufacture: France
3.1.2 Mission Capability:
• Passenger Transportation
• Aerial Work Operations
• Law enforcement
• Emergency medical services
Aircraft Specifications Page - 9 Jan 2023

3.2 Dimensions of the Helicopter
3.2.1 Dimension of Compartment and Accesses

3.2.2 Fuel and oil storage
Fuel Capacity – 540 Lts
Oil Capacity
Engine Oil Capacity – 6.2 L

Main Transmission – 6.5 L
Tail rotor - 0.33 L
Hydraulic Fluid Capacity
Hydraulic Fluid Capacity – 2.1 L

3.2.3 Helicopter components description

3.2.4 Helicopter Specifications
Weights
Maximum takeoff weight 4,960 lb / 2,250 kg
With the optional “ kit to increase Internal Gross Weight” 5,225 lb / 2,370 kg
Maximum takeoff weight with external load 6,172 lb / 2,800 kg
Maximum cargo-swing load 3,086 lb / 1,400 kg
Engine
1 TURBOMECA ARRIEL 2B1 turbine engine
Takeoff power on AS350 B3 847 shp / 632 kW
Performance at Max. GROSS WEIGHT, ISA, SL

Maximum speed (VNE) 155 kts / 287 km per hr
Fast cruise speed 140 kts / 345 nm
Range with standard tank 127 kts / 638 km
Max Endurance 4 hrs 23 min
Rate of climb 1,959 ft per min / 10 m per sec
Service ceiling 16,550 ft / 5,044 m
Hover ceiling IGE 13,200 ft / 4,023 m
Hover ceiling OGE 11,100 ft / 3,383 m
Operation Limitations
Maximum altitude (PA) 23,000 ft / 7,010 m
Minimum temperature - 40°C / -40°F
Maximum temperature ISA + 35°C / 95°F, limited to + 50°C / 122°F
3.3 Seating Configuration
Passenger seating configuration for each aircraft type including a pictorial presentation is as per
weight & balance sheet as per AFM. The following seating configurations are approved.
3.3.1 Standard Seating

1 pilot maximum 5 passengers
2 pilots maximum 4 passengers

3.3.2 Luxury or VIP Configuration
3.3.3 Bench seat Configuration

3.3.4 Air Ambulance or MEDEVAC Configuration

1 pilot, 1 patient and 2 supporting staff

3.4 Baggage hold
Left Baggage hold Left rear baggage hold
Right Baggage hold

3.5 Seat Belts

Passenger
Pilot and Front Passenger seat belt
Turn to unlock.

3.6 Safety Equipment
Items Number Location

Fire Extinguisher 01 Right side of the pilot on the
floor
ELT 01 Right rear cargo compartment
First Aid Kit 01 Between the two front seats
Kangaroo Belt As Required
3.6.1 Fire Extinguisher

Type Halon 1211 accessible to pilot only, check the pressure gauge on green band
Fire Bottle
Operation - Hold upright and pull ring pin. Aim at base of the flame squeeze the operating lever
and sweep the fire extinguisher from side to side to extinguish the fire.
3.6.2 Emergency locator Transmitter (ELT)
Location - located on the rear right side cargo compartment.

Operation - ELT equipment operates automatically when the “G” switch senses “G” loading on
impact during a crash landing. ELT equipment is electrically connected to the remote operating
switch located on the instrument panel. Operation of ELT equipment could be verified by tuning
121.50 on the VHF Communication equipment and moving the remote switch to ON position for
1 – 2 second period.
3.6.3 Kangaroo Belt

Kangaroo belt shall be provided to the infant as and when required. It may also be utilized during
Arial work operations, when a person is unable to use the seat belt. This situation will mostly arise
during open door operations.
3.6.4 First Aid Kit

Location - Between the two front seats
The following are the contents of the first aid kit.

NO DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
1. 2” Elastic Bandage 1 roll
2. Triangular Bandage 1 piece
3. Adhesive Plaster 10 piece
4. Sterile Gauze Swab 2”x2” 6 piece
5. Sterile Cotton Ball 10 piece
6. Medicated Paraffin Burn Dressing 5 piece
7. Safety Pin 12 piece
8. Cotton Crepe Bandage 1 roll
9. Scissors 1pair
10. Antiseptic Cream 1 tube
11. Paracetamol (pain killer) 10 tablets
12. Surgical Tape 1 roll
13. First Aid Guide 1each

4. Fire Fighting and Rescue Recommendations
4.1 General
4.2 Aircraft Fuselage
4.3 Danger Area with Rotors Turning
4.4 Emergency float gear - If Installed

4.5 Pitot
4.6 Fire Around the Helicopter
• Wait for Rotors to Stop

• Cool with Foam or water spray external adjacent structures.
4.7 Fire in the Engine Compartment

Engine Cowling Engine Cowling latch
• Spray the extinguishing agent (Gaseous extinguisher recommended) directly inside the
turbine by the engine exhaust.
• Proceed by circular movements until saturation.
4.8 Fire in the main Gear box Compartment

MGB cowling opening
MGB cowling opening latches.
• Spray the extinguishing agent through the open cowling or easier way (Gaseous extinguisher
recommended) for saturating the MGB compartment.
• Do not try to open the cowling if it is too hot.
• In case of sever flash over, use foam.
4.9 Fire in the luggage hold

• Try to determine the content in the baggage compartment (if Possible)

• Open the luggage hold.
• Saturate the luggage hold with extinguishing agent (Gaseous extinguisher recommended)
4.10 Helicopter Door Opening and Emergency Exits
The Pilot and Copilot / Passenger seated in the cockpit section can exit the helicopter in case of
emergency by opening the two doors either side. If the doors are jammed the emergency jettison
can be pulled to jettison the doors. Failing either, the front canopy or door window canopy may be
kicked to break open and exit the helicopter. Passengers in the rear can exit from the front or rear
right/left doors.
Emergency door jettison Breakable canopy

Emergency Door Jettison
To operate the jettison the Pilot must give clear instruction to Co Pilot / Passenger verbally to
operate the jettison upon confirming Copilot / Passenger shall jettison. The latch is guarded by a
plastic stopper. To operate the jettison handle, the red latch must be detached from the plastic
stopper guard and operated upwards.
Plastic
Stopper
Red Latch
Opening of Doors
Latch
To open the main doors, operate the lever upwards. To open the rear side doors the two latches
(up and down) shown above, must be pulled (upper latch pulled down and the lower latch pulled
up).

4.11 Safety information internal Aircraft

Cockpit Layout

4.11.1 Fuel Cut-off
Emergency Fuel
cut off valve.
Located – Overhead front control panel.

Operation - By breaking the plastic guard and pulling the lever backwards
Result - Fuel supply to the engine will stop and the helicopter Engine will shut down.
4.11.2 Electrical Cut- off switch (master electrical switch)
Location – Center console

Operation – remove the guard wire and switch it off down position.
Result – All electrical supply to the helicopter will stop

4.11.3 Engine Shut down.
Location – Overhead console

Operation – Pull the switch and bring it back position.
Result – The Engine will shutdown
Note:
The Engine can be shut down by pulling the Fuel lever or the Engine On/Off Switch,
During Fire it is recommended to shutoff by Fuel Shut off lever.
4.11.4 Electrical shutdown by Battery

Location – Center Console

Operations – Depress the Battery and Generator Switch
Result – All electrical systems shall be off.
Note:
The Electrical systems can be off the Main Electrical Master Switch o the Battery switch.
During Fire it is recommended to shutoff all Electrical by Master Electrical switch lever.
4.11.5 Battery
Battery Located at the Right Luggage

hold
• Alkaline type Battery

• Normal Voltage – 24 V , Normal Capacity 16A hrs
• Weight – 15.2 Kg
• Thermal Switch Closure – 71 C

4.11.6 Rotor Brakes
Move the Rotor Brake control lever rearwards to apply the rotor brakes and stop the Main Rotor .

4.11.7 Engine Fire Detection
In Case of Engine Fire detection, Apply the Engine shutdown Procedure and refer to fire in the Engine
compartment in section 4.7.


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SA/DOC/17

Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS)

Senok Aviation Private Limited

1st Edition 2023

Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) Procedures

1st Edition 2023

Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) Procedures

1.3 Strategy and Planning

General Page - 1 Jan 2023

1.4 Helicopter Makes and Models

1.5 Factors Influencing Planning

a. Terrain and obstacles are present in the immediate vicinity.

1.6 Sequence of Actions

General Page - 2 Jan 2023

a. Approach from the front or side.

i. Will moving components soon come to rest?

1.6.3 Rescue of Occupants

a. Secure the area.

General Page - 3 Jan 2023

1.7 OFFICIAL ADDRESS

Capt. Ruwan Fernando

General Page - 4 Jan 2023

The main hazards that a helicopter present are:

Helicopter crash-specific challenges include:

2.2 Sample Helicopter Wreckage

Helicopter Safety and Hazards Page - 5 Jan 2023

2.3 Hazards while Approaching, boarding or disembarking helicopters

2.4 Helicopter Safety Practice

Helicopter Safety and Hazards Page - 6 Jan 2023

Helicopter Safety and Hazards Page - 7 Jan 2023

INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Helicopter Safety and Hazards Page - 8 Jan 2023

Make: Airbus Helicopter

3.1.2 Mission Capability:

Aircraft Specifications Page - 9 Jan 2023

3.2.1 Dimension of Compartment and Accesses

Aircraft Specifications Page - 10 Jan 2023

Fuel Capacity – 540 Lts

Engine Oil Capacity – 6.2 L

Hydraulic Fluid Capacity

Hydraulic Fluid Capacity – 2.1 L

Aircraft Specifications Page - 11 Jan 2023

Aircraft Specifications Page - 12 Jan 2023

Performance at Max. GROSS WEIGHT, ISA, SL

3.3.1 Standard Seating

Aircraft Specifications Page - 13 Jan 2023

3.3.3 Bench seat Configuration

3.3.4 Air Ambulance or MEDEVAC Configuration

Aircraft Specifications Page - 14 Jan 2023

Left Baggage hold Left rear baggage hold

Right Baggage hold

Aircraft Specifications Page - 15 Jan 2023

3.5 Seat Belts

Pilot and Front Passenger seat belt

Aircraft Specifications Page - 16 Jan 2023

Items Number Location

3.6.1 Fire Extinguisher

3.6.2 Emergency locator Transmitter (ELT)