Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Black Hawk soars over Sun Valley

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By JON DUVAL
Express Staff Writer

Ketchum Fire Assistant Chief Robbie Englehart and firefighter Dave Windham board the Black Hawk helicopter in preparation for a flight through the valley. Along with the Ketchum Fire Department, personnel from the Sun Valley Fire Department, Wood River Fire & Rescue, Blaine County Search & Rescue, Sun Valley Heli Ski Guides, Sawtooth National Forest and the Sun Valley Ski Patrol took part in the exercise. Photo by David N. Seelig

Emergency services personnel from throughout the Wood River Valley got the opportunity to fly through the sky in unique style on Saturday, taking part in an exercise aboard an Idaho Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter.

About 40 representatives from the Ketchum and Sun Valley fire departments, Wood River Fire & Rescue, Blaine County Search & Rescue, Sun Valley Heli Ski Guides, Sawtooth National Forest and Sun Valley Ski Patrol got a lesson on how the military helicopter could be used for the most serious kinds of backcountry rescues.

Ketchum Fire Department Capt. Miles Canfield said that unlike the Life Flight helicopters used for most rescues, the Black Hawk has the ability to hoist an injured victim from the ground.

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Canfield said the emergency services personnel were given instruction on the operation of the hoist, as well as requirements for a landing zone and how to communicate with the pilot, which is difficult due to the noise within the cabin.

Jon Duval: jduval@mtexpress.com