What is the minimum staffing requirement for Air-1 units?

The minimum staffing requirement for Air-1 units being one person is aligned with operational efficiency and safety protocols established by the Oklahoma City Fire Department. This staffing level is essential because it allows for a swift response and versatile operation while maintaining a manageable workload for the crew member.

Having at least one trained personnel ensures that the unit can be deployed effectively for various missions, such as aerial support during firefighting, search and rescue missions, or medical transports. This ensures that the Air-1 can operate independently, providing crucial aerial resources at incidents without requiring a larger crew for initial deployment, which could delay response times.

In contrast, the other options suggest higher staffing levels that may not be necessary or feasible for initial missions. While having additional personnel could enhance capacity and operational capabilities, the primary requirement focuses on ensuring a capable unit is available and capable to operate efficiently, thereby supporting emergency management goals effectively. This minimum standard balances resource allocation with responsiveness in dynamic emergency situations.