Traffic came to a near standstill on Eagle Creek Avenue shortly after 5 p.m. on April 14. Many drivers were surprised to see a medical helicopter landing at the Prior Lake Fire Station located on Fish Point Road.

No, there was no medical emergency. Instead, 15 local residents were learning more about the fire department and local emergency services while attending the second night of the City of Prior Lake’s “Community Academy.”

The arrival of the North Memorial Air Care ambulance was a big surprise for most, including those who happened to be driving near the fire station. Three crew members, a pilot and two medical staff members normally stationed in Faribault, exited the helicopter after landing. The team that traveled to Prior Lake is one of seven located throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin responsible for more 2,600 high-priority medical transports made throughout the year.

Once on the ground, they encouraged everyone to ask questions. Attendees were told winter calls are the most challenging due to the cold and unpredictable weather, according to one emergency crew member.

And no, classmates were not allowed to get inside of the helicopter. Its close quarters are packed with lots of medical equipment that could be used in handling nearly any emergency, allowing just enough room for a pilot, two medical staff members and the patient being transported.

Their visit, while impressive and memorable, did not last long. The North Memorial crew received a medical call involving someone in need of emergency care.

The class, however, did not end there. Prior Lake Fire Chief Steinhaus and members of the department, all of whom are cross-trained to handle medical and fire emergencies, demonstrated cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on a practice dummy, gave a tour of the Fish Lake Road fire station and demonstrated fire suppression techniques.

Class for the week was nearly over when firefighters, still in full gear, were called into action and jumped in a fire truck to respond to another local call.

Scheduled every Tuesday night for six weeks that began in early April, Community Academy enrollees are given a behind-the-scenes look at how the the city operates, introduced to department leaders, given a tour of each facility and have the ability to interact with guest speakers. In addition to learning more about the fire department and emergency services, other academy topics scheduled over six weeks are: general government, parks and recreation, police department, public works and engineering and community development.

City staff is already looking for future Community Academy students. There is no cost to participate, but those who register must be at least 16 years old and either live or work in Prior Lake. All who sign up are expected to attend every session. Use this link to learn more: priorlakemn.gov/academy

A wrap-up story on the academy will be featured in the Prior Lake News Compass in late May.