Local organization hosts air evac certification course

HENDERSON, Tenn. — One organization hosted an air evacuation certification course Wednesday.

We visited Chickasaw State Park where Air Evac 7 landed to participate in a wilderness first responder search and rescue certification course. This was organized by Strategic Self Reliance Training first responders from all across the country.

“So, they’re gonna come out and do a presentation on landing zone establishment for these aircrafts, as well as, packaging, coming out of a wilderness environment into an urban environment,” said AC Felker, owner of Strategic Self Reliance and Defense (SSRD).

The Air Evac Lifeteam demonstrated patient care and walked through common scenarios these first responders may encounter. They offered hands-on training where trainees worked with a voluntary patient being lifted into an aircraft.

“So, we have search and rescue and wilderness first responder students here from all over the country. So, right now we have Ohio, Indiana, eastern Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina, I believe. So, a pretty good little group of first responders around the southeast,” said Felker.

SSRD specializes in search and rescue, wilderness survival, medical preparedness and tactical skills.

“Search and rescue in our area is not a widespread thing like it is some other states, but that’s kind of what we do is to build awareness, build up the training for first responders and bring people back home that need to be brought home,” said Felker.

SSRD equips individuals and organizations with the knowledge to navigate unexpected and hazardous scenarios and to empower those who aspire to a self-sufficient lifestyle.

For more Chester County news, click here.