OVFD is Ready to Help
On Saturday October 24th Michael Sutton, the Communication Center Supervisor for Vidant Health provided, ASERT – a Landing Zone Safety Class for the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department. “EastCare’s Aero-medical Safety Emergency Response Training class (ASERT) was developed to increase the safety awareness of regional emergency response agencies. Topics include an overview of EastCare, landing zone identification, communication, hazards, safety and helicopter scene operations.”
Following the ASERT presentation we met at the helipad for a briefing by Juan Terrasa, a pilot for EastCare. General information about the two types of EastCare helicopters was presented. He covered power shut down procedures, fuel cut offs, battery location, and oxygen storage. Location of emergency exit/entry points in a case of a hard landing were pointed out. Patient loading procedure was explained and the danger of the rotors was empathized.
Dr. Portela, Medical Director for Vidant Health was also in attendance.
The Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department sets up the landing zone, provides fire protection in case of an emergency, and assists with the care and loading of patients being flown off of Ocracoke.
