MSP hosts open house series for first responders, introduces new initiatives

SALISBURY, Md.- “We may function as paramedics, but BLS care is always tried and true,” Dassoulas said.

Hayley Dassoulas is a Flight Paramedic at Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 4 in Salisbury. The aviation command operates under five mission profiles which include medevac, search and rescue, law enforcement, homeland security, and disaster assessment. 

Their crew has the same capabilities as a traditional ambulance, but they’re operating at upwards of 1,000 feet in the air. “It’s imperative to have everyone on the same page which is why we offer open houses to showcase what we offer but also get to know our people that we see on someone’s worst day of their life,” Dassoulas said.

Trooper 4’s current open house series runs throughout June. It’s open to all first responders statewide to learn about updates to MSP’s programs including their aerial search and rescue abilities. “We are able to deploy one of our rescue technicians down to a scene where we couldn’t land and use our equipment and skills to retrieve patients or someone who is injured or otherwise stuck,” MSP Trooper 4 Sergeant Jenna Turner said.

In the near future, MSP will also rollout their whole blood program. Sgt. Turner says that will allow their crew to perform blood transfusions in the field which will be a big help when traveling long distances. “Especially for patients on the lower Eastern Shore that might be further away from our specialty centers in Baltimore, DC, or even up in Delaware,” Sgt. Turner said.

Sgt. Turner says initiatives like this help further their goal of improving the medial care they provide and ultimately improve a patient’s chance at survival. “For us to make contact with our community resources, local fire departments, and others we can help engage and get resources there quicker,” Sgt. Turner said.

For local agencies interested, the training series is offered Thursdays and Sundays throughout the rest of the month. Contact Sgt. Turner by email jenna.turner@maryland.gov or by phone (443)277-3849 for more information.

Trooper 4 also tells us they’re always looking to recruit. To find out about current openings click here