Bristow assists Louisiana floods rescue efforts
New Orleans, LA--Aerial views of damage caused from Hurricane Katrina the day after the hurricane hit August 30, 2005.Photo by Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA
Bristow has supported helicopter rescue efforts for Louisiana residents affected by flooding in the areas surrounding Livingston and East Baton Rouge. Bristow teams from bases at Galliano and New Iberia quickly mobilized the company’s response to provide critical care to those in need.
Utilizing an advanced Leonardo SAR AW139, a Sikorsky S-76C++ and a Bell 407 aircraft, Bristow crews carried out several missions over the two days to provide critical assistance to displaced residents and their pets. The emergency calls and SAR taskings were communicated to Bristow’s SAR dispatch, which were triaged for severity and relayed to rescue crews. Their efforts took place in close coordination with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for Livingston Parish.
Due to their extensive experience with SAR, the crews have plenty of experience when performing responsive risk assessments that adapt as the situation unfolds.
Bristow’s SAR AW139 helicopter is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for search and rescue missions, including a 700Mhz radio that allows for communication with the multiagency responders, mission management capabilities, external rescue hoist system and critical care medical equipment. Onboard the aircraft are two pilots, hoist operator, rescue swimmer and flight paramedic.
“Our employees are on the front lines, saving lives and making a difference,” said Bristow’s Americas Region Search and Rescue (SAR) Manager David Jacob. “I couldn’t be more proud of this team in completing our rescue taskings without hesitation or question, especially considering that many of our employees were also affected by flooding from this storm.”
“Our employees are on the front lines, saving lives and making a difference,”
On Sunday 14th August, Bristow was able to help rescue residents and their pets by performing multiple hoist operations and one critical care medical flight.
Rescue efforts continued on Monday 15th August, with Bristow transporting individuals to Lady of the Lake Hospital and continued on to support emergency services at Gray Elementary School an emergency shelter. Bristow crews also lowered water and supplies to individuals stranded by the flood waters, and conducted aerial reconnaissance of the area for local authorities and media.
“We are very honored and proud to have the opportunity to render this lifesaving assistance and emergency medical care to our fellow citizens in the state of Louisiana,” said Jacob. “All of this would not have been possible if it were not for the true professionalism, teamwork and unwavering dedication to the lifesaving mission that each of our employees possess.”
The floods occured on the 14th and 15th August 2016 when almost 2 feet of rain flooded the southern part of the state over a 48-hour period. Louisiana officials said this week that at least 10 people had died, the governer also commented that it was not known exactly how many people were missing. It was stated that about 20,000 people had been rescued but this number was later increased to 30,000.
