Dublin Airport has recruited and trained 15 new airport firefighters – the first intake of new airport firefighters in almost 10 years. Following a 20-week selection process, candidates embarked on a 14-week intensive training course, which included basic and advanced airport firefighting skills, breathing apparatus skills and an emergency first responder course.
Other classroom engagement for the new recruits included listening, observation and mathematical skills, testing speed of reaction to various incidents and the ability to keep calm and remain composed under pressure. Candidates also received training in airfield and general airport operations and were subject to continuous practical assessments and written tests throughout their training period.
Gerry Keogh, Chief Airport Fire Officer, said: “This is a very special day for Dublin Airport and our new colleagues and I am delighted to declare them fully certified airport firefighters. Training to respond to an aircraft emergency requires particular skills, which we must continually hone and test. We must be ready for the day we hope will never come.”
Dublin Airport is a Category 9 airport, meaning it must have 24,300 litres of foam capacity ready at all times, which equates to three foam tenders. The airport’s fire station has seven foam tenders, each with a capacity of up to 11,000 litres. Dublin Airport’s fire crew are on call 24/7, 365 days a year.
