Securing LZs used to be a lot of what we did on the VFD, though our area is only semi-rural, so we were mostly keeping traffic away from a paved area in or near a park.
Rescue work is very satisfying, even for those of us way out on the periphery. I like to see groups of people spontaneously cooperating in an emergency.
Yes, I enjoy rescue work especially. I'm not a medical professional, so mostly my contribution involves physically moving people from places like gorges or precipices to where they can access an ambulance, and then sometimes -- like yesterday -- onto a helicopter. The helicopters always remind me of Iraq, only without the danger of anyone shooting at us while we do it (which is an improvement). Same life-and-death stuff, though, so it feels worthy and meaningful.
You may have seen this- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nmcakF-NaI Hardcore flying - under the High Steel Bridge, Skokomish river, WA. It is one steep gorge. Seems like every year there is a rescue of some sort there.
I used to hire choppers to fly high value wood out of the virgin timber by Forks, WA. They would use a 200 foot long line and a sling, and best be under cover if the pilot decided the load was too heavy- the sky would rain bolts of cedar. Back then in the '70's the pilots were all ex military guys. Lot's of fun for a young guy.
I'd say you're far from the periphery. I really was on the periphery, just directing traffic, not physically rescuing people. But even directing traffic can be satisfying if it helps keep the rescuers safe. I truly thank you for doing this work, which I consider at the pinnacle of civilization.
You are certainly welcome, but needn't thank me; I do it for reasons of my own. It is meaningful and engaging, and it turns out that I often like helping people who are in genuine and immediate need.
Securing LZs used to be a lot of what we did on the VFD, though our area is only semi-rural, so we were mostly keeping traffic away from a paved area in or near a park.
ReplyDeleteRescue work is very satisfying, even for those of us way out on the periphery. I like to see groups of people spontaneously cooperating in an emergency.
Yes, I enjoy rescue work especially. I'm not a medical professional, so mostly my contribution involves physically moving people from places like gorges or precipices to where they can access an ambulance, and then sometimes -- like yesterday -- onto a helicopter. The helicopters always remind me of Iraq, only without the danger of anyone shooting at us while we do it (which is an improvement). Same life-and-death stuff, though, so it feels worthy and meaningful.
ReplyDeleteYou may have seen this-
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nmcakF-NaI
Hardcore flying - under the High Steel Bridge, Skokomish river, WA.
It is one steep gorge. Seems like every year there is a rescue of some sort there.
I used to hire choppers to fly high value wood out of the virgin timber by Forks, WA. They would use a 200 foot long line and a sling, and best be under cover if the pilot decided the load was too heavy- the sky would rain bolts of cedar. Back then in the '70's the pilots were all ex military guys. Lot's of fun for a young guy.
I'd say you're far from the periphery. I really was on the periphery, just directing traffic, not physically rescuing people. But even directing traffic can be satisfying if it helps keep the rescuers safe. I truly thank you for doing this work, which I consider at the pinnacle of civilization.
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly welcome, but needn't thank me; I do it for reasons of my own. It is meaningful and engaging, and it turns out that I often like helping people who are in genuine and immediate need.
ReplyDelete