Austin firefighters were quick to respond Thursday night after being called to help with a potential STARS air ambulance landing at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum.
The request came in around 10:45 p.m. on July 24 following an injury during the rodeo portion of the Manitoba Thresherman’s Reunion and Stampede.
“There was an injury during the rodeo and the ambulance that was looking after it had called for STARS, so they asked for our help to set up a landing pad,” says Austin Fire Chief James Zacharias. “Everybody got there and did what they were supposed to but the situation changed so the landing pad actually wasn't used in the end.”
Crews responded in Alpha 1 and Alpha 2 units and quickly got to work preparing the area.
“We have to make sure there's a clear area with no debris for the chopper to land... and then we have to make sure that the area's also free of any people,” adds Zacharias. “We also guide the chopper in when they get there.”
Zacharias continues that it doesn’t take long to be ready. “We can usually have it set up within five to ten minutes if we need to.”
Although the helicopter never arrived, the experience still gave the team a chance to stay sharp.
The fire department later posted online that the call was a good training opportunity and thanked all firefighters who answered the call.
Officials with the museum confirm that rodeo competitors were injured during the Thursday night event. The competitors were treated by emergency medical personnel and left the grounds in stable condition via ambulance.
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