08/26/2026
Tonight for our regular training meeting, members of Dutton Volunteer Fire were able to join Power Fire, Power EMS, Dutton EMS, and Teton County EMS for training with Mercy Flight.
The departments trained on safely establishing and operating a helicopter landing zone (LZ) for emergency patient pickups. Training covered how to select a good landing area, identify hazards, communicate with the flight crew, and keep responders, patients, vehicles, and bystanders safe during helicopter operations.
A good LZ needs to be large enough, as level and firm as possible, and clear of hazards such as power lines, trees, fences, loose debris, vehicles, and other obstacles. Responders also have to consider wind direction, visibility, terrain, dust or snow conditions, and anything that could become airborne from rotor wash.
The training also covered securing the area, maintaining good radio communication, proper placement of emergency vehicles and lighting, and the importance of never approaching the aircraft until directed by the flight crew.
Training like this is especially valuable in rural communities, where getting a critically injured or ill patient to a higher level of care can involve long transport distances. Having multiple departments and EMS agencies familiar with the same procedures helps everyone work together more safely and efficiently when minutes matter.
A big thank you to Mercy Flight, Power Fire, Power EMS, Dutton EMS, and Teton County EMS for the opportunity to train together tonight.
