The Bridgeview Fire Department recently participated in a helicopter training exercise that included the fire departments of Oak Lawn, Summit, Justice, and others from throughout Division 21 invited by the hosting Bedford Park Fire Department. Taking place in the grass field adjoining Bedford Park Fire Department Station 1 at the intersection of Archer and Roberts Road, the training involved preparing for the landing of a helicopter such as a University of Chicago Aeromedical Network (UCAN) helicopter.
After ensuring the area was clear for the helicopter landing, firefighters worked to stabilize and prepare a patient extracted from an ambulance, receive the medical staff from the helicopter, and move the patient into the helicopter for air transport. While Bridgeview Firefighters most commonly deliver patients to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn via ambulance, rare air transport may occur if needed to avoid ground traffic or transport many patients in the case of a mass casualty event. Bridgeview firefighters now know how to determine proper landing zones, such as SeatGeek Stadium’s parking lots which meet the minimum requirements of a largely flat surface clear of obstacles with 100 x 100 feet of space. Through trainings like this one, the Bridgeview Fire Department continues to stay informed and prepared to best serve the residents of our community.