FIRST PATIENT FLIGHT USING BASE 3 LANDING ZONE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 02/07/2023

BELLE, MO – The recently completed landing zone at base 3 in Belle was utilized tonight to assist in transporting a patient to a pediatric trauma center in St. Louis. Having a dedicated landing zone such as this creates a much safer environment for the flight crews, ambulance crew and general public. When a helicopter is needed in the general area of Belle, this permanent landing zone is utilized by dispatch to get a helicopter coming right away versus having to wait for coordinates near a scene to be found which saves precious minutes when they matter the most.

This new landing zone is equipped with night vision compatible lights which mark the pad making it visible to flight crews who are using night vision googles to fly at night which is industry standard. A windsock and obstacle markers for nearby power lines also enhance the safety of this landing location making it the ideal location for ground crews to meet when air transport is necessary.

In the photos are Osage EMS Medic 631 and Phelps Air – Air Methods flight crew members.

Capturing this historical event and providing photos of the first use was “Photos by Cindy Butler.”

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Joshua A. Krull, ASM-C, FP-C, NRP
EMS Chief
Osage Ambulance District