Preschoolers ‘fly high’ learning about helicopters at Mary Lanning

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - Preschoolers from “Pooh’s Corner” got quite the treat Wednesday morning, as they visited Mary Lanning Healthcare to learn more about medical helicopters.

The flight crew from LifeNet Tri City flew in from Kearney, and taught the children what they do, what the helicopter is for, and even let them sit in the vehicle.

“They see us in an everyday situation where they can see the helicopter, touch the helicopter, talk to us, sometimes that helps alleviate that anxiety,” Mandy Harrah, a flight nurse on the helicopter said.

The preschoolers weren’t the only thing the helicopter crew focused on either. Mary Lanning emergency room nurses also took time to train for when a real-life situation happens and LifeNet flies in with a patient.

”We meet the staff, there’s communication that needs to happen between them, processes that need to take place, security that meets us out here and opens doors for us and gets us in as quick as possible,” explained Derek Strohman, an account executive with LifeNet. “Seconds matter, and the more we can review those processes and make sure that everything is up to par is the best.”

In all, there were two groups of preschoolers who were able to get a look at the helicopter.

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