Members of the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad were at the AV Regional Airport on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020 to practice helicopter hover exits.
Ascent Helicopters from Parksville flew a chopper to Port Alberni and AVRS volunteers learned in the infield how to get into and exit a helicopter as it hovers above ground.
“In difficult terrain where it is not always possible to fully land a helicopter, hover exits can ensure a team is placed safely on the ground to assist a lost or injured subject,” an AVRS spokesperson wrote on the group’s Facebook page.
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“Technical rescues like these are a growing part of search and rescue operations in our area and we work to maintain the highest levels of training possible for our courageous members.”
For more information about the rescue squad, find them online at www.avrs.ca or on Facebook at facebook.com/albernivalleyrescue.
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susie.quinn@albernivalleynews.com
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