SEACOR Holdings conducted a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) demonstration Oct.28 in Sabine Pass, TX.

The demonstration stems from a teaming arrangement between Era Helicopters (Era), a SEACOR subsidiary, and Priority 1 Air Rescue (P1AR). Era and P1AR are now offering FAA- approved full-service SAR and EMS capability and turnkey solutions to offshore oil & gas companies in the Gulf of Mexico and abroad.

The P1AR crews, including hoist operators, rescue swimmers and flight paramedics, supplement Era's pilots and AW-139 and EC-225 helicopters dedicated to the program. These aircraft types have flight performance capabilities to execute deepwater maritime SAR and EMS operations at distances up to 250 nautical miles offshore.

The event demonstrated SEACOR's SAR capabilities, including the company's ability to rapidly deploy its flexible marine and aviation assets and highly trained personnel in response to situations that may necessitate an emergency medical rescue, hurricane evacuation, oil spill response or a combination of emergency response operations.

"SEACOR has the ability to offer its customers unique capabilities to facilitate emergency medical and environmental response efforts through its diverse and flexible aviation and marine assets. In addition, the company provides a broad scope of knowledge and expertise in operational preparedness and safety training," said John Allen, senior vice president of SEACOR Environmental Services.

Participating SEACOR business segments included Era Helicopters, SEACOR Environmental Services International, National Response Corp. and SEACOR Marine. The demonstration included two scenarios; a search and rescue and an emergency medical rescue, both of which utilized SEACOR aviation and marine assets.

The event was witnessed by representatives of offshore oil & gas companies and the U.S. Coast Guard.