With technical capabilities that allow for flights around the clock, training to establish nighttime landing zones is extremely important. Establishing a night landing zone (NLZ) takes coordination and communication between dispatchers and all first responders on a scene, from ground medics, to firefighters and law enforcement officers.
We routinely provide NLZ training to local fire departments and law enforcement agencies, free of charge. The course includes a presentation and Q&A time between our crew and first responders, along with hands-on training and requirements for landing at night.
When possible, we have a helicopter on-site so first responders can practice and experience an actual night landing to learn the importance of giving factual and well-informed information to the air crew.
“Good communication is the key for safe scene landings at night,” says Air Med Clinical Care Coordinator Mark Morris.
We also work with local industrial plants and their emergency response teams to provide landing zone courses in the event of needing a safe landing zone at a plant.
“We like to participate in their annual or quarterly training so that everyone involved knows the muster and landing areas. Being a good partner for our industry providers will help everyone if an actual emergency is declared,” Mark continued.
In addition, we participate in several mutual aid associations that deal with fire, industry and other state and local agencies to further the education of our partners, so that we may continue to provide safe air operations to all of our Louisiana and Texas service area.
