GLYNCO, GA – We have all looked up to observe a low flying helicopter, wondering where it was heading or what happened. On Friday, July 16, you probably did just that if you were in the vicinity of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers in Glynco, GA. The helicopter flying overhead was part of the U.S. Park Police (USPP) Agency Specific Basic (ASB) Motor Vehicle Crash Lab training, which includes a mock medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
On the ground, trainees' sensations flooded with the sounds of crashing windows, the screeching noise of metal against metal as the jaws of life rip apart vehicles provided for the mock scenario, and a roaring helicopter coming in for a landing as the training commenced.
As part of the training, students provided first aid and tourniquets to stabilize a patient in preparation for MEDEVAC. MEDEVAC is the use of a helicopter or plane to transport someone to the hospital.
The entire course familiarized U.S. Park Police recruits in both lecture and hands-on training with the proper procedures for responding to and investigating motor vehicle crashes. Crash report completion is also part of the training
The course, in some variation, has been around since 1976.
"I think the best part of this crash lab is the unexpected arrival of the helicopter and the Glynn County Fireboard approach," said Sergeant Kimberly Walker, the Training Coordinator and Supervisor. "The faces are priceless."
The top scorer of the class, to their surprise receives a brief tour in the air aboard the aircraft. The class then gather around the aircraft for helicopter safety and landing zone discussion.
Walker stated, "The most valuable part of the training for the students is they can identify and implement the policies and life-saving procedures delineated in USPP General Orders." Walker has been part of the training program since 2016.
The course takes months of planning, coordination, weather cooperation, financing, and many other components to make it work, with modifications made as needed.
FLETC supported the dynamic training environment needed for the course by providing the classroom, role players, logistics, and land required. FLETC’s Office of Security and Professional Responsibility provided screening and approved resources on-center to make the training most effective. "The collaboration between FLETC and USPP makes the training possible," said Walker. "I surely don't want to leave anyone out."
"FLETC’s role as a strategic resource in supporting training for our Participating Organizations and local First Responders is critical to providing life-saving care to the members of our community,” said Ron Dionne, FLETC Training Management Operations Directorate’s Deputy Assistant Director.
U.S. Park Police and Glynn County Fire Department worked in tandem to provide the U.S. Park Police Motor Vehicular Crash lab course; a visual training demonstration for students involving a vehicular medevac, July 16 and 19, 2021, at the FLETC training delivery point in Glynco, GA. (FLETC OPA/Brandon Spragins)
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