An airline Emergency Response Plan is similar to life insurance; you hope that you will never need to use it. In the event you should need to, a pre-organized plan of attack (or defense) will help prepare your airline to cope with the after effects of an aircraft accident. If an emergency arises, there is no second chance to handle it efficiently. Many unprepared airlines have never survived such a traumatic experience.

The ERP is a series of checklists and guidance procedures outlining the action to be taken by airline personnel within their area of responsibility in the event of an accident or emergency.

Each specific employee should be familiar with the checklist appropriate to his/her position as well as the responsibilities and individuals he/she would have to deal with.

The effectiveness of an ERP should be tested annually, using various scenarios, from an aircraft accident at home base to a hijacking in an out-station.

An ERP must begin at the time of the emergency and develop in conjunction with both the existing airport emergency plan, and the duties of the National investigation team.

Public image is of the utmost importance for the survival of an airline. Statements to the media/press must be very carefully worded to eliminate any doubt as to the air safety procedures used by the airline. The humane manner in which relatives of passengers and crew are contacted and treated will create a lasting impression which will result in the positive or negative perception they will retain towards the airline in the future.

Fireside Partners offers a broad range of services across several areas of expertise such as Crisis Mitigation, in addition to the development of an Emergency Response Plan customized to the needs of your airline. The common link - a unique and dynamic educational philosophy that is focused on your people.