Saturday November, 5 2022 @ 22:05

Nature: Medical Emergency

City: Pines At Long Neck

Tuesday November, 1 2022 @ 14:30 

Nature: Medical Emergency

City: The Meadows

During the passed few days at the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company, we have been requested to assist the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad and the Sussex County Paramedics with medical emergencies when aviation units were required.

On Tuesday afternoon, November 1^st, and Saturday evening, November 5^th, the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit – Trooper2 was requested to provide transportation for medical emergencies within Indian River’s fire district.  The nature of the incident requires a fire company response in order to secure an adequate landing zone.

On the Tuesday afternoon incident, the aviation unit was landed in the field behind the Nanticoke Indian Museum near the intersection of John J. Williams Highway and Oak Orchard Road.  Engine #80-1, Tanker 80 and the Delaware State Fire Police coordinated this assignment.

On the Saturday afternoon incident, the aviation unit was landed in the field adjacent to the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad off Indian Mission Road.  Engine #80-1 and the Delaware State Fire Police coordinated this assignment.

In both incidents, the aviation unit transported the medical emergency in accordance to the medical protocol.

Why do fire departments respond to helicopter medical emergencies requiring landing Fire Department Response to Helicopter Emergencies?

It is standard operating guidelines for fire departments across the country to assist with landing zones (LZs) for medical evacuation air ambulance missions, and other helicopter emergencies. Firefighters must acquire some unique understanding, specialized training, and planning because the safety of flight crews, patients, responders, and the community are at risk at these calls.