Posted: 9/14/05
By Clark Natalie
The newly formed First Responders of the Harris Fire Department, spearheaded by Pat Wortham (Chief III), have an additional asset to access when responding to accidents.
On Thursday evening, a presentation was done by Deb Miller of North Memorial Air Care. She explained the use of helicopters to transport patients. The presentation included practicing ́Hot Loadsî on an actual, operating helicopter. Three emergency departments were present for this practice, Harris and Rush City fire departments and Lakes Region EMS.
Miller explained the most efficient methods of using the helicopter to the patients benefit. She said helicopter service should be thought of as an additional ́mutual aideî option. When the First Responders are given the information of the scene, and start to respond, they can utilize the ́Auto Launchî program. If called when the emergency crews are on the way, the helicopter can be started, the weather checked and a route planned.
If when arriving at the scene, the helicopter is canceled, there is no cost to the department or the patient. Only when the patient is actually transported is there a bill, and that is charged through the patients insurance, much like an ambulance call. Because of the ́Auto Launchî program, Miller stressed it is best to ́err on the side of the patient.î
Also, even if the North Memorial Air Care service is called, the patient can be transported to any hospital that is qualified to take them. The patient or emergency crew on the scene decide where the patient is to be taken to, not the crew.
The helicopter that North Memorial Air Care uses is an Italian-built craft that is assembled in Philadelphia. The Agusta 109 is the fastest non-military rotary ship made. It is small, and can only carry one patient at a time. But the size is offset by the speed. It travels at an average of 160 to 165 miles an hour.
Miller told of a trip she made with a tailwind, when the craft reached 226 miles an hour. But that is the exception. The helicopter has a ceiling of 15,000 feet, and a range of 388 miles. It carries 148 gallons of fuel. The cost of one helicopter is $4.4 million.
Put into practice
At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, the Princeton-based helicopter touched down at the Harris ball field. The fire departments then practiced ́Hot Loadsî which are loading the patient while the helicopter remains running, so the craft can lift off immediately after the patient is secure.
All departments in attendance had the chance to practice. While these ́Hot Loadsî are being done, the main rotors turn at a rate of 395 RPM. Although the rotors are 7 feet above ground when at speed, as they slow, they flex and move closer to the ground. Also, the pilot can change the pitch of the main rotors, lowering down to 4 1?2 feet. The tail rotor is even faster, traveling at 2,070 RPM.
It makes 6 cycles in one second. It is nearly invisible when running and when ́Hotî at the scene, the pilot is unable to visualize the tail.
Afterwards the helicopter was shut down, and the crowd that had gathered had a chance to walk up to, look at and touch the craft.
The helicopter has room for a pilot, two air medics and a patient. There are three computers on board and a full complement of emergency room equipment.
The inspection of the craft was called off early because the helicopter had to answer a call. The field was cleared and the craft took off. As it cleared the lights of the field, one of the young spectators was heard to exclaim, ́That was totally wicked.î The helicopter made an impression on all in attendance.
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