Rescue helicopters train for Seattle emergencies

SEATTLE — With the Seattle skyline as a backdrop, rescue helicopters flew back and forth over Elliott Bay for training on Monday.

It's practice that authorities say is more important than ever these days.

“Certainly current events like the Oso landslide, the potential for oil trains, the terrible disaster in France,” said Seattle Fire Assistant Chief A.D. Vickery. “All of these things tell us we need to work more collaboratively.”

More than 20 local agencies took part in the drill at the Port of Seattle.

Crews practiced loading the choppers on the ground at Terminal 5.

The loads filled with things like boats, medical and search and rescue tools.

“Oso’s a good example. You didn't have any access. How would you get material to get to our rescuers?” added Vickery.

The other lesson learned from Oso: multiple aircraft all working alongside each other.

The day the slide occurred, seven choppers were in the air.

Video showed one of the crews pulling a 4-year-old boy to safety.

With so many aircraft, ground crews and air crews are tasked with making sure they're coordinating their operations.

“Making sure they're able to communicate, because that is quite often where you get the breakdown is communications,” said Debra Davis from the Port of Seattle.

Not only does it eliminate confusion, but officials say it ensures the safety of the rescue teams.

“The ability of people on the ground to direct aircraft in so it won’t be presenting a danger to others who would be rescuers for potential patients or victims,” explained Vickery.

The Port of Seattle sponsored the drill.

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