Latest News

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

'Golden hour' key to life or death rescue situations

By: Steph Crosier

Posted: 03/10/2013 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 03/12/2013 10:14 AM | Updates

Using teamwork to land a helicopter is a vital piece of the puzzle when helping accident victims. STARS, the St. Andrews and West St Paul Fire departments simulated the rescue of a car accident at St. Andrews Airport Saturday. Fire Chief Ken Peacock said l. March 9, 2013 (STEPH CROSIER / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

When it comes to rescuing people in remote locations such as the lake or cottage, the "golden hour" is the rule.

If crews can get to an accident victim within an hour, survival rates go up, St. Andrews Fire Department chief Ken Peacock explained.

On an abandoned airstrip at St. Andrews Airport, Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society's members and local fire departments demonstrated how a "golden hour" rescue works.

The exercise involved rescuing a man from a car accident. Local firefighters at the scene guide the STARS helicopter in to a safe landing. Emergency teams then do as much treatment as they can on the ground before transporting him to the helicopter -- again with the help of the local firefighters.

"We rely on the folks on the ground to set up a safe landing zone for the helicopter to operate from," said Dave Harding, aviation base manager for STARS. "It's a vital piece of the puzzle in terms of getting the helicopter to and from an accident scene."

Peacock said the exercise is great for his crew because it's not something you can learn from an instructional video and getting together with real fire departments is crucial.

Firefighters on the ground are key to the operation, informing STARS of any wires, secondary fires or other obstacles.

"This is just an opportunity for us to come out and train with them to show our members how to land a helicopter properly, safely, so nobody gets hurt," said Peacock. "I think we've got it down to a point where we can firmly land a helicopter with no problem whatsoever."

steph.crosier@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 10, 2013 A4

History

Updated on Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 9:59 AM CDT: Fixed title of Ken Peacock, who is chief of the St. Andrews Fire Department.

March 12, 2013 at 10:14 AM: corrects typo in cutline

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Latest News

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.