Helicopter Safety Training Day

Guest blog by Donna Elder, St John Station Manager at Waipukarau

Helicopter Safety Training Day

On Saturday 11 June, the Waipukuaru Police Officers, along with St John Volunteers and Fire Service Crews from Waipukurau, Waipawa and out-lying rural stations, took part in their annual helicopter safety training with the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Crew. As the Waipukurau Ambulance Station Manager, my job was to co-ordinate the emergency crews to attend.

The training was delivered by Rescue Helicopter Pilot Jeremy Bruce and Crewman Geoff Taylor, and covered topics such as; how to set up a landing site for the helicopter, how to deliver information to the helicopter crew on the radio, and how to operate around the helicopter.

Training in these areas is so important to ensure that our emergency response teams here in Hawke’s Bay, are ready for any emergency situation, while ensuring the safety of themselves, their teams, and members of the public at all times.  

Suzanne in Helicopter

At the end of the training, one of our amazing Ambulance Volunteers, Suzanne (pictured), was able to join the crew as they flew back to Hastings which was a special treat for her as she had never been in a helicopter before.

Later that day, the Ashley Clinton Fire Crew put their training to the test when they were called to a farm in the area along with the Rescue Helicopter Crew, to help a patient who had badly lacerated their finger while cutting firewood. (you can read more about this mission here)

Speaking on behalf of all the emergency services who attended, this was a fantastic and worthwhile day and I believe that everyone went away with essential new knowledge.

Personally I find training like this so reassuring, as I know that as a St John’s Paramedic, I am able to keep myself as safe as possible, while helping to save lives alongside the Rescue Helicopter Crew.

Donna Elder is the Waipukurau Ambulance Station Manager and Intensive Care Paramedic for St John, and has flown on many life-saving missions with the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust.  

 

 

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