Taipei City Fire Department had 2 sessions of the “2017 3-dimensional rescue combination training” at Dajia Riverside Park by the Keelung River on May 5 and Jul 21 2017, and sent a request to National Airborne Service Corps for support with a helicopter and instructors. Based on the location and schedule, the Corps dispatched an air crew and the accompanying search and rescue team of National Fire Agency from Squadron 1, 1st Wing (stationed at Songshan Airport) for these training session in order to improve the skills and concepts of 3-dimensional rescue by helicopter so that they are put in good use in rescue and medical evacuation over a special terrain or in a confined space.
This training started with the instructions of the Corps’ instructor on the preparation before takeoff and precautions for activities on the ground and over waters, followed by the presentation of crew chief for the rescue equipment used on land and water (vessel). The training consisted of 3 parts. Part 1 was the introduction to the safety of helicopter and equipment on board, as well as the preparation before takeoff and precautions. Stage 2 comprised descend/ascend in a static setting, how the rescue workers get in and out of the cabin and how to operate a hoist (ropes and buckles) in the cabin. Part 3 was the hands-on training with the hoist. After making sure that trainees were in a safe condition, the aircraft hovered at 50 feet above ground and the trainees started to put on gears required for the hoisting practice, such as harness, ropes, gloves, tools, buckles and backpack, and took turn to work on the hoist.
All of the participating instructors and trainees pointed out unanimously that the training helped build the confidence of the crewmembers in one another, improved their rescue skills and established a mutual consent on the missions performed. At the same time, it helped them adapt to the ability of combination rescue in the air, strengthen the response capability and ensure the safety of the life and property of rescuers and people.