Edinboro, PA – The Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department hosted an essential “LifeFlight Safety Training” session conducted by Allegheny Health Network - Prehospital Care Services last evening. This comprehensive training aimed to enhance the knowledge and preparedness of fire department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel in emergency situations involving medical helicopters. A wide array of critical topics were discussed, including understanding the standards and operational procedures for medical helicopter use, the process for requesting a helicopter, and the steps involved when a helicopter is requested. Participants were also trained on how to set up a safe landing zone, ensuring that all protocols are followed to facilitate the efficient and safe arrival of the helicopter.

Medical helicopters are often dispatched for a variety of critical medical events where rapid transport can make a significant difference in patient outcomes. These include severe trauma incidents such as car accidents, burns, strokes, heart attacks, hypothermia, and other life-threatening emergencies where time is of the essence. The ability to quickly transport patients to specialized medical facilities can be a lifesaving measure.

In addition to discussing helicopter operations, the training also covered contingency plans for situations where weather conditions may prevent the helicopter from completing its mission. In such cases, the flight crew is prepared to continue patient transport via ambulance to the nearest hospital, ensuring that care is not delayed.

Medical helicopter flight crews typically include a highly trained flight nurse, who possesses advanced skills and knowledge that surpass those of a paramedic. Flight nurses are equipped to perform a wider range of medical interventions, including advanced airway management, administration of a broader spectrum of medications, and the use of sophisticated medical equipment typically found in intensive care units. Their extensive training and experience enable them to provide critical care in transit, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of medical attention even before reaching the hospital. This advanced level of care can be pivotal in stabilizing patients during transport, particularly in severe or complex medical emergencies.

A highlight of the training was the practical demonstration where an AHN helicopter landed at PennWest Edinboro. Fire department and EMS crews had the opportunity to observe the landing process firsthand, gaining invaluable insights into the real-time operations of a medical helicopter arrival. Following the landing, attendees were given an exclusive tour of the helicopter, providing them with a closer look at the advanced medical equipment and technology used in life-saving missions.

The collaboration between the fire departments, EMS providers, and AHN Prehospital Care Services reflects a strong commitment to community safety and preparedness. By equipping local firefighters with the knowledge and skills needed to work seamlessly with medical helicopter services, the community can rest assured that they are in capable hands during critical emergencies.