Helicopter Training with REACH Air Medical

Montana is full of wild and rugged terrain, and our search areas are often located miles from developed roads. Occasionally, dog and handler teams will be required to travel via helicopter to access these remote locations.

Recently we had the opportunity to complete the SAR Assist Lift Ticket Program with Reach Air Medical Services here in Bozeman. This training taught our dogs and handlers how to safely approach, load, and unload from the REACH Air Medical ship.

All dogs are required to wear muzzles for REACH air transportation, and many handlers opt for ear/eye protection as well.

Special thanks to REACH Air Medical for allowing us this training opportunity!

WMSD teams and the REACH Air Medical Crew

K9’s Telly, Jake, and Sabre (and their handlers) wait for their turn to load.

K9 Yodel loading into the helicopter

K9s Yodel, Telly, and Jake (and their handlers) wait for their turn to load.

K9 Trigger jumping for joy at the chance to load up

K9 Trigger is a helicopter pro!

“Are you sure we have to get out now?” – K9 Trigger

K9 Jake getting ready to load

K9 Jake and his handler Russ

K9 Telly getting ready to load

K9 Nodin and his handler, Gina

K9 Sabre and his handler, Bonnie

K9 Chapter getting ready to load

K9 Chapter and her handler, Colette

K9 Yodel (in training) shows off his personal protective equipment