The Bell 407

The Bell 407 is a highly menuevarable, four bladed, single tubine engine powered helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter, Fort Worth, Texas. The Bell 407 can be flown with a single pilot and configured for up to five passengers or – in the EMS role – three crew members and a patient.

A testament to the Bell 407′s power and agility is an anonymous, amatuer video clip shot at a South African air show in 2004 showing a Bell 407 easily executing a loop and a roll. Though publically admonished by Bell Helicopter, the demonstration created quite a buzz in aviation and non-aviation forums alike and is still the topic of many discussions today.
Watch the video clip >> Loop and Roll

Henry 1 is equipped with:

• Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR)
• Nitesun Search Light System
• Wire Strikes
• Externally mounted oxygen tank for medical missions
• PA speakers
• Dual hook system for long line rescue operations
• Skid Mounted spot light used during night time rescues
• Night Vision (NVG)
• Moving Map
• Rescue Equipment
• Medical Equipment

Flight Crew

Tactical Flight Officer (TFO)

The TFO flies in the left seat and is the law enforcement authority on-board Henry 1. The TFO directs and coordinates activities of the air unit in support of field operations and is the direct supervisor responsible for the oversight and delivery of all four missions provided by the Sheriff’s helicopter program.

Inflight Responsibilities:

• FLIR Image Control
• FLIR Image Recording
• Visual ID verification using Gyroscopic Binoculars
• Communication
• PA Communication
• Radio Scanner Control

Pilot

The pilot flies from the right seat and is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the safety and operation of the aircraft and the people. Highly experienced, Henry 1 pilots are experts in vertical reference flying and external load operations.

Pilot Inflight Responsibilities:

• Aircraft Control
• Nightsun Direction and Focus
• External Load Hook Control
• Radio Communication

Rescue Paramedic

The rescue paramedic is seated in the aft compartment and is responsible for the oversight and delivery of medical care provided by the Sheriff’s helicopter program and is the final medical authority onboard Henry 1.

Paramedic Inflight Responsibilities:

• Radio Communication with Redcom Medical Dispatch and medical crews on scene
• Operate as a third pair of eyes during law enforcement calls, search and rescue calls, and clear the aircraft from general air traffic and ground obstacles