ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- Even though Arnold Engineering Development Complex, headquartered at Arnold AFB, doesn’t have a flying mission, the Emergency Management Services has to keep their skills sharp and be prepared to respond to real-world aircraft incidents and accidents.
According to Deputy Fire Chief Daryl Vancise, Arnold AFB EMS personnel had a unique opportunity to conduct the type of joint training that will better prepare them to respond to a real-world incident involving a helicopter.
On Aug. 16, 2018, EMS personnel were able to learn about the nuances of the U.S. Army MH-47 Chinook helicopter, based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, by its pilot and crew.
Each EMS team member was able to board the helicopter’s crew and cargo compartments, lift open service panels, understand how emergency levers and switches are operated, and ask key questions that will enable them to be better prepared in the event of an incident.
The training enhanced Arnold AFB EMS member’s skills and ability to efficiently respond to an emergency situation which may occur on Arnold AFB or in the middle-Tennessee region involving a Chinook.
The Chinook is a two-engine, tandem rotor, heavy-lift helicopter used to carry large equipment, supplies and troops into combat or training.
Arnold AFB EMS routinely trains on different emergency scenarios to hone their response skills, giving them the ability to respond to a variety of crisis situations that may arise.