Blue Card’s ARFF Program Takes Flight!

By B Shifter Staff
B Shifter Buckslip, Feb. 25, 2025

After several years of careful development and refinement, Blue Card’s Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting Incident Command Program is LIVE. Developed in collaboration with industry experts and experienced ARFF professionals, the module addresses the unique challenges of aircraft emergencies with real-world scenarios, immersive training techniques and comprehensive strategies that align with Blue Card’s established methodology and the Eight Functions of Command.

Aircraft incidents pose a significant threat to life and property, requiring decisive, well-organized and coordinated actions to effectively manage this threat through fire extinguishment and victim location and removal. The Blue Card ARFF Program utilizes our standard incident command elements to maximize deployment, incident organization and communication during aircraft emergencies.

Unified Command for Airport Emergencies

The program is designed for both initial and strategic-level incident commanders stationed at metro, municipal, or regional airports, as well as off-airport company and command officers who may respond from remote locations. A critical aspect of the module is integrating airport ARFF and off-airport fire resources into a single, streamlined incident command system utilizing best practices.
“Aircraft emergencies demand precision, preparation and seamless communication,” said Blue Card Program Manager Josh Blum. “Our new ARFF module equips incident commanders with the knowledge and skills to lead their teams effectively during these critical situations.”

Blue Card’s ARFF Incident Command Program provides a standardized process for initial responses to inbound/inflight emergency aircraft or aircraft already on the ground, improving response outcomes for both the people onboard aircraft and the aviation industry’s critical infrastructure. It supports an airport’s standard dispatch process, whether initiated by the aircraft control tower or a fire/public safety dispatch center and provides a more effective method of managing both on-airport ARFF resources and off-airport fire/EMS companies.

The program enhances the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 139 response standards by introducing a communication and coordination process for incident response. It also aligns with standard ARFF certification requirements, providing the next step in strategic- and tactical-level management of the task-level work conducted by ARFF firefighters. Simply put, the Blue Card ARFF Program more effectively manages and coordinates operations, improving safety for ARFF companies and firefighters.

Key Features of the Blue Card ARFF Program

Custom-Designed Scenarios: Tailored to address critical aspects of ARFF operations, including aircraft fire suppression, evacuation, hazardous material management, and large-scale incident coordination.
State-of-the-Art Training Tools: Utilizing interactive video simulations and dynamic case studies to immerse participants in complex, high-stakes situations.
IC-Centric Curriculum: Focusing on the IC’s role in coordinating multi-agency responses and mitigating risks in high-pressure environments.
Accessibility: Available online, allowing departments worldwide to access this specialized training at their convenience.
Comprehensive Resources: The Blue Card ARFF Incident Command Online Program, didactic material, Command Standard Operating Guidelines, simulations, and a digital copy of the “Fire Command” textbook (3rd edition, coming in 2025).

Program Pricing

Blue Card’s ARFF Incident Command Program offers tailored pricing for two distinct customer categories.
1. For Current Blue Card Customers:
ARFF Online Program: $200 per member subscriber.

2. New Blue Card Customers:
ARFF Online Program: $385 per member subscriber.

Subscription Renewal Pricing:
With structural firefighting and ARFF subscriptions: $125 per member subscriber.
ARFF Subscription Only: $125 per member subscriber.

Instructor Training (Train the Trainer):
Current Blue Card Instructors: Add-on instructor certification for $1,500
New Blue Card Instructors: $3,000, which includes an Apple iPad and a user license for Fire Studios simulation software.

How to Get Started

The Blue Card ARFF module complements existing Blue Card training but can also function as a stand-alone program, addressing the specialized needs of airport rescue teams. The first Blue Card ARFF Train-the-Trainer is June 23-25, 2025, at the Alan V. Brunacini Command Training Center in Phoenix. To learn more about the Blue Card ARFF program or to register, visit bshifter.com today or call our office at (855) 872-5822.