News

Priority 1 Air Rescue & Delaware State Police establish Statewide Multi-Agency SAR Emergency Response Program

July 01, 2009

Priority 1 Air Rescue has completed training and certification for 32 SAR Pilots, Hoist System Operators, and Rescue Specialists establishing the most comprehensive state-wide multi-agency SAR/Medevac response program for the State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police (DSP) selected Priority 1 Air Rescue to train and integrate DSP Troopers with rescue personnel from Wilmington Police Department, Sussex County Paramedics, Wilmington Fire Department, Middleton Fire Department, and Dover City Fire Department.

Delaware State Police’s new Bell 412EP has proven SAR versatility as an inland and maritime rescue platform with the Goodrich Rescue Hoist and an air medevac platform with the installed Life-Port Medical Interior.

With DSP’s emergency response jurisdiction extending throughout the state to include State waters of the Delaware Bay, Priority 1 Air Rescue’s training and SAR exercises consisted of overland hoisting in confined wooded/forested areas, ocean rescue, maritime vessel hoisting, and helo-cast insertion to rescue distress personnel in the water.

Will Milam (Priority 1 Air Rescue Instructor ) stated, “Priority 1 Air Rescue is very honored to have been considered an integral component of the Delaware Statewide Interagency SAR/Medevac Program while providing a comprehensive partnership".
 
We continue to have the opportunity to work with exceptional aircrews from the DSP and other state Fire and Rescue agencies - the SAR Interoperability exhibited by the State of Delaware rescue agencies with the DSP Troopers proves to be a truly unique and successful example of effective emergency service inter-operability.

Their program serves as an accomplished and fiscally efficient model for other agencies to strive for as all of the participants share the same common objectives- save life and property while serving and protecting the community.