A life-saving platform
Community rallies to install Vaughan helipad, grand opening Aug. 28
Although they hope they never have to use it, the rural West Hants community of Vaughan now has a take-off area for helicopters.
Located adjacent to the Southwest Hants Fire Department, a substation of the Hantsport Fire Department, the helipad is now up and functioning.
“The helipad will give us quick access to emergency services and to the hospital,” said Capt. Jeff Pinch, as the finishing touches were being put on the landing area.
“The pilot estimates nine minutes from here to the QEII. You can’t even have somebody out to Windsor’s hospital as quick as we could have them from here to critical care at the QEII or the IWK if it’s a small child,” said Pinch. “It’s a community.”
The helipad, which gives helicopter pilots a safe landing space for emergencies, is illuminated so it can be used at night.
The project cost about $ 20,000, which was largely raised by the community over the past year.
Victor Chandler, who served with the Windsor Fire Department for about 16.5 years and lives in Upper Vaughan, donated his time to do all of the base work, saving the community the cost of hiring someone to do it.
“If we can save one life, it’s worth every cent,” said Chand- benefit to the ler, who said he’s seen his fair share of bad accidents.
“We should’ve had this out here a long time ago.”
Pinch said the helipad will only be used when medics and the fire department believe a situation is bad enough that it warrants the trip.
“I’ve seen (an emergency helicopter) brought in for car accidents and stuff like that,” said Pinch, noting they often will use a field or the road when a landing pad is not available.
“This is a dedicated spot. It’ll be 24/7.”
And while he hopes it’s not needed, he said the community can rest easy knowing it’s there just in case.
“It’s a great asset to the community. I hope it never has to be used but it’s a great thing if it does for us and the surrounding areas,” said Pinch. “We know we can have the helicopter come in here and we don’t have to worry about it.”