VIDEO: The North Dakota National Guard invited the Bismarck Fire Department to the flight facility on Wednesday for a hands-on crash rescue training using a real Blackhawk helicopter. The training focused on how to shut down the aircraft safely, how to handle the rotor system and power controls, and how to extract injured crew members without triggering more danger.
“First, we want to make sure first responders are safe,” said Sergeant Joey Vandervliet with the North Dakota National Guard. “Then we want to make sure they know how to get us out of the aircraft if something happens.” Fire Instructor John Kerr was also on site, helping guide firefighters through the safety procedures and rescue techniques.
Crews rotated through the training in small groups — three trucks at a time, for about an hour each. Once one group finished, another came in. In total, five Bismarck fire stations took part and an engine truck. Chief Deputy Adam Miller with the Bismarck Fire Department said this kind of training is critical. “We do a lot of transportation training — buses, planes, helicopters — just so we’re familiar,” he said. “You can’t expect someone to help if they’ve never seen how to do it safely.”
Firefighter Adam Caniglia, who was part of the exercise, said working directly with the Guard helped everyone understand what to expect if a real incident ever happens. “It feels good to get outside with agencies in the area and do some training with the team,” he said. The North Dakota National Guard says more joint trainings like this are in the works. Future sessions may include different types of aircraft and more advanced emergency scenarios.
