We all know that air travel can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be.
The truth is that airports are one of the most dangerous places for people to congregate. That’s why it’s so important for us to make sure we’re prepared for any emergency situation that might arise during our travels, whether it’s a fire or an injury.
It’s no secret that there have been some scary incidents at airports in the last few years, and unfortunately, those numbers are only going up. In 2022 alone, there were 4 aviation-related incidents and accidents in the US alone, which is pretty alarming considering the advanced infrastructure of the country.
Moreover, this is not just a statistic: it’s a sign that something is wrong with our airports. But what? And how can we improve them?
The answer lies in tackling emergencies at airports to make air travel safer.
Table of Contents
A Well-Stocked First-Aid Kit
Airports and airplanes are not the safest places to be during an emergency. To make air travel safer, it’s important to have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand. A first-aid kit can be used to treat minor injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, and even help with more serious injuries, like broken bones or even heart attacks.
A well-stocked first-aid kit at airports will include a number of items that could save your life in an emergency situation:
- Bandages and gauze pads for wounds or to stop bleeding
- Antiseptic wipes for cleaning cuts and scrapes
- Disposable gloves to prevent infection when treating wounds
- Eye wash solution or sterile saline solution to flush out chemical or biological contamination from eyes and nasal passages.
Moreover, a well-stocked first aid kit is important for a variety of reasons. It can help you treat minor injuries before they become major ones. It can help you treat minor injuries in a way that doesn’t cause further injury to the patient, like putting on a bandage after treating an open wound.
Fire Suppression Systems
Fire suppression systems are a key component in making air travel safer. They protect the plane, passengers, and crew, as well as the airport itself.
Precedence Research estimates that the global market for fire protection systems was worth $68.3 billion in 2021 and will grow to $127.3 billion by 2030. The massive figures imply the growing need for these systems in handling emergency situations at different places like airports.
Fire suppression systems can be installed in airports to help prevent fires from spreading and protect passengers during an emergency situation. They can also be used as part of a larger system of safety measures at airports by preventing fires from spreading throughout terminals and other facilities within an airport’s grounds.
However, Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF Firefighting Foam) should not be used to douse a fire at an airport. This is because doing this can put airport workers at risk of developing different types of cancer. If you or your loved one suffered from adverse effects of using AFFF firefighting foam, you should consider filing a Firefighting Foam Lawsuit against the manufacturer of the product.
Emergency Lights
Emergency lights have become an essential part of airports, both for the safety of passengers and for the overall functioning of an airport. Airports are often large, sprawling areas with multiple levels and multiple entrances. Without emergency lights, it can be difficult to navigate through a busy airport during an emergency situation.
Emergency lights help ensure that passengers can find their way out of a burning airplane or other dangerous situation. They also make it easier for employees to safely direct passengers in the event of an emergency.
Some airports require that all exits be marked with emergency lights so that they can easily be identified in the event of an emergency.
Airport Security Systems
Airport security systems are designed to keep passengers safe and secure while they travel. They’re also in place to ensure that everyone who goes through an airport is treated fairly, whether they’re flying for business or pleasure.
Airport security systems include:
- Checked baggage screening – This ensures that all luggage entering the aircraft cabin is inspected to ensure that no prohibited items are being brought on board.
- X-ray machines – These machines are used to detect any items concealed within a traveler’s clothing or other belongings.
- Metal detectors – These devices help identify any metal objects contained within a traveler’s personal belongings and ensure that nothing dangerous is going through security checkpoints unnoticed.
- Explosives trace detection (ETD) machines – ETDs are used to identify trace explosives on the hands and clothing of passengers who pass through checkpoints, as well as explosives residue left behind by those who may have handled explosives during their travels before reaching airports.
The global airport security market reached $10.78 billion in 2019, according to Fortune Business Insights. By 2027, the market will be worth $11.45 billion, representing an annual growth rate of 7.62%. This figure indicates that airports are taking their safety seriously and making sure travelers can get where they need to go safely and securely.
Final Thoughts
The tools that make air travel safer during an emergency are constantly being developed, and many airports are using them to help their passengers feel safe in the skies.
In addition to these tools, airports should also be doing everything they can to ensure the safety of their employees. This includes making sure that employees know how to respond in the event of an emergency and providing them with regular training on how to handle these situations.