PORT BYRON, NY — August 10 — Members of the Port Byron Fire Department, also referred to as Protective Hose Company No.1, took part in a training session with Mercy Flight Central on August 10.The event involved participants from the Port Byron, Weedsport, Montezuma Fire Departments, Conquest Fire Company, and Cayuga County 911.

The training covered topics such as setting up helicopter landing zones, safely transporting patients onto an aircraft, and understanding Mercy Flight Central’s air medical services.

It offered fire and emergency communications staff a chance to review procedures that can be used when an air medical helicopter is needed during an incident.

Mercy Flight Central emphasizes that fire departments are essential in creating safe landing areas and supplying critical information to incoming helicopters.

The organization also offers ongoing education and training for emergency service professionals.

Mercy Flight Central uses AW119MKII helicopters to provide air medical transport across New York State.

Each flight team consists of a pilot, a flight nurse, and a flight paramedic.

The training improved collaboration among fire, EMS, and 911 personnel involved in helicopter operations.