The Crash of United Flight 232

Is realistic training needed for emergency response/management personnel in light of the fact that disasters like the one depicted are rare?
Can we, in fact, mitigate loss by having systematic processes in place for responders?
Is it possible to train responders to a standard methodology to allow for cross-functional understanding and interoperability?
Is there a cost benefit (bang for the buck) in having a government-sponsored emergency management/coordination body?

Thinking about those questions, comment on federal control vs. local direction. Do we have a system in place now that is functional or does it need work? Do the appropriate CFR sections/parts reviewed during this course support your position? If you were the guru of ARFF, what would you do to improve the process?
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Added on 17.05.2016 18:23
The book used in class is International Fire Service Training Association. (IFSTA 2008). Airport rescue and fire fighting (5th ed.). Stillwater: International Fire Service Training Association, Oklahoma State University. I don”t have a copy.

Supplemental Web Resources
AC 150/5200-31A, Airport Emergency Plan, FAA (http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/MainFrame?OpenFrameSet) (Scroll down to applicable Advisory Circular)
US National Search and Rescue Plan, USCG (http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg534/manuals/Natl_SAR_Plan%282007%29.pdf) (Adobe PDF file)
49 CFR Part 1544, Aircraft Operator Security: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators (https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2002-title14-vol1/content-detail.html) (Browse down to title 49, then select applicable part)
49 CFR Part 1548, Indirect Air Carrier Security (https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2002-title14-vol1/content-detail.html) (Browse down to title 49, then select applicable part)
14 CFR Part 139, Certification and Operations: Land Airports Serving Certain Air Carriers (https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2002-title14-vol1/content-detail.html)
NIMS Resources Center, FEMA (https://www.fema.gov/national-incident-management-system)
Simple Triage & Rapid Treatment (START) (http://www.cert-la.com/triage/start.htm), Los Angeles City Fire Chiefs
Airport Services Manual, Part 7, Airport Emergency Planning, ICAO, 2nd Edition, 1991 Developing Effective Standard Operating Procedures for Fire and EMS Departments, FEMA & USFA, Appendix A (https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/txt/publications/fa-197.txt) (text file)
Overview, FAA Public Law 107-71, Aviation and Transportation Security Act (https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-107publ71/html/PLAW-107publ71.htm) (Adobe PDF file)

Important Videos – All FAA Safety Team Central Florida (Basic to Section 8)
Back to Basics – First Responders When Seconds Count Post Aircraft Accident Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N76Rg7l3BOI&index=1&list=PL1EvWLSzQrXNzxi4sL-MRSN7uaSq6sHnf
Introduction to Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF): Prelude https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiiW1FYd9XM&index=2&list=PL1EvWLSzQrXNzxi4sL-MRSN7uaSq6sHnf