First-graders learn about emergency responders

Published 10:04 pm Tuesday, May 4, 2010

First-grade students at Westside Elementary School had a rare treat on Tuesday, as members of the Air-Evac Lifeteam of Fayette landed one of its helicopters right on the school grounds.

Accompanying the helicopter was an ambulance from AmStar ambulance service in Demopolis and a Demopolis Fire and Rescue Department truck.

Each vehicle had officers who told the students how they responded to emergencies.

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Mitchell Snipes and Kevin Horne of AmStar showed the students the inside of the ambulance and reminded them to call 911 when there is an emergency.

DFRD personnellet students climb inside the truck and showed them where the equipment was located.

Air-Evac Lifeteam members included pilot James Stafford, paramedic Larry Smith and nurse Jon Henderson told the students that the helicopter usually flies at 120 miles per hour and can fly as high as 20,000 feet, but usually flies at 2,000 feet.

Air-Evac Lifeteams dover a 100-mile radius and has medical bases in 14 states with more than 100 medically-equipped Bell 206 Long Ranger helicopters.

The visit to Westside Elementary School gave the young students a chance to see the vehicles used in emergencies up close. Some may have gone home with the dream of one day working to help others in emergencies — maybe one day working here in that capacity.