(Reprinted from Acadian’s Spring 2018 Nouvelle)
With Air Med’s 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.
Air Med routinely provides NLZ training to local fire departments and law enforcement agencies free of charge. The course includes a presentation and Q&A between the Air Med 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 experience and actual night landing and learn the importance of giving factual and well-informed information to the air crew.
“Good communication is key for safe scene landings at night,” says Air Med Clinical Care Coordinator Mark Morris.
Air Med also works with local industrial plants and their emergency response teams to provide landing zone courses in the event of needing a safe landing zone on-site.
“We like to participate in their annual or quarterly training so 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, Air Med participates in several mutual aid associations that deal with fire, industry and other state and local agencies. This allows us to further the education of our partners and continue to provide safe air operations to all our Louisiana and Texas service areas.
