NTSB Issues Recommendation A-14-059 to ARFF Working Group on Mass Casualty Response Priorities

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued Recommendation A-14-059, designated under reference number DCA13MA120. This directive is addressed to the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Working Group. The NTSB has instructed the group to work closely with medical and medicolegal professional organizations. The objective of this collaboration is to develop and distribute specific guidance regarding task prioritization for responding aircraft rescue and firefighting personnel. The recommended best practices aim to address critical safety concerns in mass casualty situations. Specifically, the guidance seeks to prevent ARFF vehicles from striking or rolling over seriously injured or deceased persons during emergency responses. This recommendation underscores the need for coordinated protocols between fire response teams and medical experts to ensure the safety of all individuals involved in such high-stakes incidents.