South Meadow Creek Simulation 2014

On May 22, 2014 the Madison Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest conducted a full scale, real time emergency response simulation exercise known as the South Meadow Creek Simulation. The purpose of the exercise was to simulate a wildland fire burn over scenario with injuries and evaluate the effectiveness of the response. As the scenario progressed, two unplanned aviation incidents occurred. The first helicopter’s patient transport (Helicopter #1) departure was normal, without complications. During the second patient 2 transport via air ambulance, the helicopter (Helicopter #2) required more power to exit the landing zone than anticipated. Helicopter #1 had returned and was getting ready to depart with patient load number three, and experienced ground resonance; an aerodynamic phenomenon that required a quick reduction of power and rapid shutdown of the engine and rotor blade system. The decision to stop the simulation at that point was made by the simulation coordinator.