Students learn how response teams handle emergencies

During a demonstration at John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital, high school student volunteers at the hospital learned about multiple emergency response departments.

Students toured a Peoria Fire Department mass casualty treatment module, while others climbed on top of a Phoenix Fire Department Rapid Response Team Truck with Capt. Ray Dyer.

A few students were strapped in and packed into the Halo Air Evac helicopter on the hospital's emergency department roof.

The helicopter team is a joint operation of Glendale, Surprise and Avondale fire departments and Petroleum Helicopters Incorporated (PHI)/Air Evac, said Chris Dechant of the Glendale Fire Department.

The team is dedicated to emergency response and trauma rescue/transportation in Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale and other West Valley Communities.

Students came away from the event knowing how emergency crews are prepared to handle natural catastrophes or terrorist attacks, said Susan Fuchs, a hospital spokeswoman.

During a demonstration, Jocelyn Galligan, a Glendale Fire Department flight paramedic, tucks Ivette Sandoval, 15, into the HALO air evac helicopter.