Enhancing Emergency Response: FSA’s Aviation Rescue & Firefighting Training Capabilities

Fire and Safety Australia (FSA) is a national leader in emergency response services, providing expert teams of Emergency Services Officers (ESOs), Paramedics, Nurses, and Trainers across Australia. With years of experience in Aviation Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) operations, FSA has expanded its capabilities to offer cutting-edge ARFF training and operational services for industries including oil and gas, mining, and aviation.

Comprehensive ARFF Services Across Australia

FSA currently provides contracted Aviation Rescue & Safety Training Courses and Firefighting (ARFF) services at two remote FIFO Oil and Gas sites—Santos Moomba and Santos Ballera—as well as additional mining and oil and gas operations nationwide. ARFF incident response requires specialized firefighting appliances, equipment, and tactics that differ significantly from conventional firefighting approaches.

Key components of ARFF operations include:

1. Fire appliances with large onboard water and foam capacity
2. High-flow firefighting monitors operable from within the cab
3. Pump-and-roll functionality for rapid fire suppression
4. Compliance with ICAO and CASA acceleration and performance requirements

Industry Leadership in ARFF Training and Experience

FSA’s leadership team boasts extensive ARFF expertise, with CEO Steve McLeod and Emergency Services Operations Manager Dean Brown playing pivotal roles in aviation firefighting operations. Additionally, FSA employs over 30 experienced ESO Supervisors, Fire and Rescue Trainers, and ARFF specialists with backgrounds in both civilian and military aviation firefighting.

Our investment in new ARFF training and operational equipment includes:

1. A 4WD Scania Urban Tanker, built to ICAO Category 3 ARFF specifications
2. A Scania Heavy Pumper, designed to meet ICAO Category 5 ARFF requirements

These state-of-the-art fire appliances are purpose-built for remote environments and meet Oil and Gas Safer Together Standards.

Cutting-Edge ARFF Training Facilities in Brisbane and Perth

FSA delivers live-fire ARFF training at our Brisbane and Perth training academies, featuring:

1. A large helicopter training prop for hands-on aviation rescue training
2. Realistic fire scenarios, including wing, engine, and brake fires
3. An upcoming fixed-wing aircraft training prop (2025), modelled on Embraer 190/Fokker 100 aircraft, commonly used in mining and oil and gas operations

Through these facilities, FSA remains the only emergency services contractor capable of delivering ARFF training for ESO teams. Our comprehensive training ensures personnel are well-equipped to handle aviation emergencies in high-risk environments.

Nationally Recognised ARFF Training and Qualifications

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO: 22250), FSA offers a range of nationally recognised qualifications and training units in Aviation Rescue and Firefighting, including:

1. PUAFIR305 – Respond to Aviation Incidents (General)
2. PUAFIR205B – Respond to Aviation Incidents (Specialist)
3. Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations) – PUA20622
4. Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations) – PUA30622

We provide initial and recurrency training for on-site Emergency Services Officers (ESOs) to ensure they meet industry standards.

Commitment to Excellence in Aviation Fire and Rescue Training

FSA’s substantial investment in ARFF training aligns with our vision to be Australia’s leading emergency response provider. With 100% mobilisation and contract KPIs met, we continue to enhance our capabilities to support the safety of oil and gas, mining, and aviation industries.

Explore Our Aviation Firefighting Training Courses

If you’re looking to enhance your skills in aviation rescue and firefighting, explore our nationally recognised fire and emergency response training courses and ARFF training courses today.