by Doug La Rocque
The helicopter that is used to transport severely injured and ill people, generally to the Albany Medical Center, landed at Grafton’s VFW last Wednesday, September 19, so members of area fire and EMS could get a better look at it, and learn first hand what the aircraft can do.
LifeNet flies with a crew of three – pilot, paramedic and flight nurse. They respond to emergency situations within roughly a 70 mile radius of the South Albany Airport in Selkirk, though they carry enough fuel to fly up to 220 miles without having to refuel.
After receiving a hands-on tour from the crew, the first responders gathered inside the VFW for some more training on the appropriate use of the aircraft, preparing patients for flight, and the many safety protocols involved, including assurance the helicopter has a clear landing zone, away from power lines and any loose gravel-like material on the ground, that could act as flying shrapnel propelled by the force generated from the aircraft’s blades.
The speed at which these helicopters can transport a patient to a medical facility is pretty amazing. From Grafton to the Albany Medical Center requires only 8 minutes of flight time.