HARRISBURG, Pa. (August 13) -- On Thursday, August 15, the Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (PA-HART) will lead "Operation Hurricane," a full-scale training exercise drill involving state and local swiftwater rescue and medical teams.
From approximately 10am-2pm, the public should be aware that realistic, simulated search and rescue missions involving several aircraft will be conducted along the Susquehanna River around Harrisburg with an incident command area staged at the PFBC boat access area located at 5307 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
Facilities including the park and boat access area will remain open but access to certain areas will be restricted to ensure the safety of the public. Airspace around the exercise will be restricted and aerial photography of the training exercises will be prohibited.
Participating organizations include: PA-HART, PFBC-SWERT (Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Swiftwater Rescue Team), PEMA (Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency), Pennsylvania Army National Guard, SMRT (Special Medical Response Team), Rescue Fire Company (Susquehanna Township), Susquehanna Township EMS, Dauphin-Middle Paxton Township Fire Co., Harrisburg River Rescue, and Robinson Township VFC (Allegheny County).
The Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team is a partnership between the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), along with credentialed civilian rescue technicians.
This highly trained aerial search and rescue team provides an air asset for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation to respond to natural and man-made disasters. Team members receive technical training that prepares them to engage in hostile environmental conditions in both the urban and wilderness setting.
##
Media Contact:
Mike Parker, Communications Director Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
(717)705-7806
michparker@pa.gov