Pasadena Fire Department Intensifies Air Rescues Training

The Pasadena Fire Department Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) Team took to the skies Monday for intensive helicopter hoist training hosted by Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations at Barton Heliport in Pacoima.

The training was designed to familiarize the Pasadena USAR members with helicopter hoist operations and patient packaging which these skills are commonly used in Eaton Canyon mountain rescues.

Pasadena Fire Engineer Robert Sepulveda and LA County Firefighter Paramedic Michael Nelson coordinated for months to arrange this joint rescue training.

The training gave the USAR members the knowledge and skills in Air Operations but most importantly, Pasadena officials say, strengthens the working relationship between the two departments.

“The Pasadena Fire Department would like to thank and acknowledge LA County Fire Air Operations Battalion Chief Joel Harrison, Pilot Warren Messina, Captain Dave Scanlan, Firefighter Paramedic Brad Idol, and Firefighter Paramedic Michael Nelson,” a Pasadena Fire Dept. spokesperson said.