RAPID CITY, S.D. – An emergency medical call on Monday afternoon turned into an impromptu training exercise for first responders in the Johnson Siding area, according to officials with the Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department.

Local fire crews, along with Rapid City Fire Department Medic 5 and Black Hills LifeFlight, were dispatched following preliminary reports of a medical emergency. Due to the nature of the information provided to dispatchers, an air ambulance was launched to assist in the response.

Upon arrival, personnel from Rescue 8 and Medic 5 began evaluating the patient at the scene. Simultaneously, Johnson Siding Fire Department members in Squad 6 established a landing zone in the parking lot of the Rimrock Community Church, identified as the nearest safe and accessible location for the helicopter.

Following a clinical assessment by paramedics, it was determined that the patient did not require air transport. Despite the stand-down, department officials noted that the event served as a high-stakes training scenario for air ambulance operations.