Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation

TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town.

On-site at the station in Triana, the department hosted a class for landing and operations of a medical helicopter. With the help of Airevac, a local air ambulance provider, and instructor Justin Butler, the firefighters gained some critical, handson knowledge that could mean the difference between life and death in a true emergency.

Chad Beddingfield serves as Fire Chief for the Triana Fire Department.

“Huntsville Fire & Rescue Department played a major role in making this training a success by organizing the class and sending five fire trucks and 20 firefighters out to Triana. We appreciate their strong partnership and support,” Levoneia Bonnie Ayers said. Ayers represents Place 5 in Triana Town Council.

Airevac personnel “landed a helicopter directly at the Triana Fire Station. Triana firefighters received in-depth instruction from the flight crew on the aircraft itself and how air medical transport operates in the field,” Ayers said.

In addition, the training included a classroom segment during which the Triana employees learned the appropriate scenarios and the procedure for calling a helicopter. Other topics in the class covered the needed steps in safely setting up a landing zone for the helicopter and all the best practices that are associated with air medical operations.

“With 70 percent of Triana Fire’s call volume being medical in nature, this type of training is crucial,” Ayers said. “There are times when HEMSI ground units aren’t available or the closest ambulance is too far away during a life-threatening emergency. In cases of severe trauma, serious pediatric illness or burn injuries, rapid transport to facilities like Vanderbilt or Birmingham can make all the difference.”

Ayers acknowledged everyone who made the training day possible. “We are better trained and more prepared to serve not only the Town of Triana but also the unincorporated areas of Madison County within our coverage zone,” Ayers said.

“Triana Fire Department is committed to excellence and to the peo- ple we proudly serve,” she said.

In other news from Triana, citizens can give their input for the Comprehensive Plan Kick-off on Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at 640 6th Street in Triana.

The plan will help to shape priorities and goals for the Town of Triana for the next five to 10 years. Residents can specify the types of businesses that Triana should attract and if the town should change its business or residential zones.

This meeting will be the first of several sessions to develop Triana’s Comprehensive Plan.