The training is something that the federal government requires the state National Guard units to participate in.
(MCMINNVILLE, Ore.) - Blackhawk helicopter crews from the Oregon National Guard spent time in McMinnville Wednesday; they were there to participate in a special chemical training exercise that it is part of a training program they have to complete every year…
Oregon Guard Lt. Nate EdgecombLt. Nate Edgecomb says the scenario is based on a terrorist incident during which a Salem area building is struck by terrorists.
The people participating in the training exercise say it is hard work. The actors are portraying people who are very sick from a chemical attack; and the flight crews have to conduct the training with special NBC or Nuclear Biological Chemical warfare gear. It is not pleasant work they say.
SSgt David Noffsinger who is a crew chief aboard a Blackhawk in the Oregon National Guard, says it isn’t too bad until you start exerting yourself.
“They it gets a little restrictive” he says. The veteran Staff Sgt. Says he thinks they should increase these training scenarios.
The training is something that the federal government requires the state National Guard units to participate in. Edgecomb, who is a Blackhawk pilot, says the benefits all Americans.
“It’s important for the readiness level of the whole country really. It’s unfortunate in this day and age that we have to prepare for something like that. But is our job at the Oregon Guard to be ready for that state mission.”
Another component of Wednesday’s training was a patient litter retrieval utilizing the hydraulic hoist mounted by the helicopter’s side door.
The medic in this training scenario is lowered to the ground with a litter that will raise the patient.
In this case the patient is a life sized dummy that weighs 240 pounds and is dressed in flight gear.
It is an effort for the crews to perform these missions with the degree of success that they do.
This Oregon helicopter medical company is known as the best in the entire country.
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Oregon Guard Blackhawk Helicopter Crews Undergo Chemical Weapons Training (VIDEO)Salem-News.com