FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – In a proactive effort to prepare local emergency responders for potential helicopter incidents, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard hosted a comprehensive helicopter orientation training event on September 11. This training took place at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 1 and Muir Army Heliport, which is recognized as the second-busiest heliport in the U.S. Army.
More than 120 firefighters and rescue personnel from several surrounding fire companies participated in this unique training experience, honing their skills and knowledge to better respond to emergency situations involving military aircraft.
Given that Pennsylvania Army National Guard helicopters are frequently seen flying over central Pennsylvania, it is crucial for first responders to be equipped with the necessary skills and understanding to manage a helicopter emergency in their vicinity.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Danielle J. Watkins, the aviation safety officer for the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 1 and the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, explained the training’s objectives. “The first goal would be to orient them to our helicopters and what their missions are, their capabilities and what they need to be aware of if they would respond to the scene of an accident,” she stated.
During the event, first responders had the chance to personally interact with the National Guard helicopters, including the CH-47 Chinook, UH-60 Black Hawk, and UH-72 Lakota. These interactions allowed attendees to conduct walkarounds and even climb into the aircraft, providing them with hands-on training to understand critical components of the helicopters, such as fuel lines, fuel cells, and potential locations of aircrew members or passengers.
Recognizing the importance of their role, community fire and rescue personnel play a significant part in the response chain for emergencies involving military helicopters outside of installations. The training arms them with essential insights they might need in an emergency situation.
John Wagner, a former Pennsylvania Army National Guard soldier now with the Reade Volunteer Fire Co. in Reade Township, highlighted the advantages of this training. “I think [this training] is a great idea,” he said. “Not a lot of folks know what to do with these things, the materials that the aircraft are made of … So, to be able to know what to do and know the aircraft makes a world of difference if something does happen in my area.”
The training event not only focuses on operational knowledge but also emphasizes the various challenges first responders might face when addressing an aircraft incident. Sarah Monger, a member of the Tremont Volunteer Fire Co. in Schuylkill County, shared her thoughts after her first close interaction with Army helicopters. “We all think aviation fuel and that’s what we have to worry about,” she explained. “But no. Magnesium is everywhere [on these aircraft].”
This collaborative initiative between the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and local emergency services fosters a strong working relationship that ultimately enhances the safety and preparedness of communities across the region. Through events like this, first responders can better understand and respond to emergencies, ensuring they are equipped for whatever challenges may arise in their service.
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