The Gurnee Fire Department received a new rescue tool this month when the Flight for Life helicopter program gave it a Garmin GPS II global positioning unit.
The unit helps pinpoint accident scenes and landing locations for fire departments and rescue squads that request the services of a Flight for Life helicopter.
By using the positioning unit and major intersections and landmarks to find helicopter landing zones, time is saved in locating accident scenes and transporting patients to a trauma center, said Brad Burke, Gurnee assistant village administrator.
The department received the unit through a joint effort of the not-for-profit helicopter program and the Abbott Laboratory Fund. Flight for Life is distributing the units to fire and rescue agencies throughout the area.
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Flight for Life has acquired a new helicopter that will be equipped with a Garmin International aviation device that provides navigation, communication and global positioning system functions.