Flew In Support Of Homeland Security, Local Officials

Bristow supported helicopter rescue efforts for Louisiana residents affected by historic flooding in the parishes around Livingston and East Baton Rouge August 14 and 15, 2016. Working in close coordination with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for Livingston Parish, Bristow teams based at Galliano and New Iberia quickly mobilized the company’s response to provide critical care to those in need.

“Our employees are on the front lines, saving lives and making a difference,” said Bristow’s Americas Region Search and Rescue (SAR) Manager David Jacob. “I couldn’t be more proud of this team in completing our rescue taskings without hesitation or question, especially considering that many of our employees were also affected by flooding from this storm.”

Utilizing an advanced Leonardo SAR AW139, a Sikorsky S-76C++ and a Bell 407 aircraft, Bristow crews carried out several missions over the two days to provide critical assistance to displaced residents and their pets. The emergency calls and SAR taskings were communicated to Bristow’s SAR dispatch, which were triaged for severity and relayed to rescue crews.

Throughout the rescue missions, the crews performed dynamic risk assessments as the situations unfolded. Due to their extensive experience with SAR, the crews are well versed in performing these risk assessments.

On Sunday, August 14, 2016, Bristow helped rescue residents and their pets by performing multiple hoist operations and one critical care medical flight. The Bristow crews retrieved people from flooded homes, small boats, levees and high ground surrounded by flood waters.

Rescue efforts continued Monday, August 15, 2016, with Bristow transporting individuals to Lady of the Lake Hospital and then went on to support emergency services at Gray Elementary School, which was being used as an emergency shelter. Bristow crews also lowered water and supplies to individuals stranded by the flood waters, and conducted aerial reconnaissance of the area for local authorities and media.

“We are very honored and proud to have the opportunity to render this lifesaving assistance and emergency medical care to our fellow citizens in the state of Louisiana,” said Jacob. “All of this would not have been possible if it were not for the true professionalism, teamwork and unwavering dedication to the lifesaving mission that each of our employees possess.”

Bristow’s SAR AW139 helicopter is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for search and rescue missions, including a 700Mhz radio that allows for communication with the multiagency responders, mission management capabilities, external rescue hoist system and critical care medical equipment. Onboard the aircraft are two pilots, hoist operator, rescue swimmer and flight paramedic.

(Image provided with Bristow Helicopters news release)

FMI: www.bristowgroup.com