Helicopter rescue swimmers are trained to secure and remove injured personnel from dangerous situations.
Search and rescue operations involving the use of helicopter aircraft are normally conducted by military forces that have been trained and certified in this area. These organizations include the elite squad of Air Force pararescue jumpers (PJs) plus the Navy and Coast Guard's helicopter rescue swimmers composed primarily of sailors and airmen.
PJs
Pararescue jumpers are the Department of Defense's only organization trained specifically for conventional and unconventional rescue operations. They perform rescue missions in war zones and in humanitarian environments. This elite group is among the most highly trained emergency trauma specialists in the country. PJs work in air-land-sea environments and are trained as combatants in order to neutralize threats and remove injured personnel. PJs are also used in recovery efforts for NASA and other operations when needed.
PJ Training
Training for pararescuemen starts with a 10-week physical training program. Recruits will be trained for physical and mental strength, endurance, and stability. Another three weeks will be used for learning parachute skills. Then trainees must undergo six weeks of instruction in underwater rescue operations. Other training includes a 2 1/2-week survival course and a 22-week training course on treat trauma patients on the battlefield. Finally, there is a 24-week instruction course in various areas of rescue operations that includes combat techniques in different intense environments, administering medical care on the battlefield and helicopter insertion and extraction. Individuals who are interested in becoming a pararescuman must contact the Recruitment Liaison/Public Affairs office at 1-850-884-4246.
Helicopter Rescue Swimmers
Helicopter rescue swimmers are comprised of aviation personnel and divers. Rescue swimmers are usually servicemen who come from the ranks of the Air Force, Navy or Coast Guard. Training for this type of program begins at the Navy SAR's (Search and Rescue) Training Facility or the USCG (U.S. Coast Guard) Rescue Swimmer School. Trainees will be expected to live in a stressful environment, to excel in military education and to be physically fit plus learn operate as a team player. Core training for rescue swimmers also includes water deployment rescue instruction and medical training. There is a helicopter rescue swimmer manual that gives individuals more detailed information about helicopter rescue swimmer requirements.
Aviation Survival Technician
Aviation survival technicians (AST) pilots are specially trained to work with the helicopter rescue swimmers. They are trained to perform emergency rescue functions in various types of severe and challenging conditions involving weather, environment and other types of threatening situations. Water deployment techniques and survival training are part of their basic instruction. Core training for an AST includes learning operate aircraft in extreme conditions, repair helicopters and use their aircraft as a life-saving device if the situation arises.
AST Training
An AST has an 18-week training course plus a three-week training program in emergency medical procedures. Survival pilots must also be physically fit and mentally sound. Training for an AST is purposely made intense to ensure that only qualified pilots are chosen because a top level security clearance will be needed in order to perform the duties of this position. Individuals who desire to be an AST can contact the USCG Officer of the Day at 1-252-335-6484 for more information.
Tags: rescue operations, Coast Guard, Core training, helicopter rescue, helicopter rescue, helicopter rescue swimmer, Helicopter rescue swimmers