The Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (PA-HART) is a joint partnership between the Pennsylvania Army National Guard (PAANG), the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) along with credentialed civilian rescue technicians. This highly trained aerial search and rescue team provides an air asset for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation to respond to natural and manmade disasters incidents. Team members receive technical training that prepares them to engage in hostile environmental conditions in both the urban and wilderness setting.
PA-HART members risk their lives so others may live.
PAHART Mission Request Form PA-HART can respond at the request of a local emergency management coordinator. The coordinator must notify the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC). A
mission request form needs to be completed.
If the mission request is valid, the strike team leader will request Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to provide a mission request number and forward the information to the Joint Force Emergency Operation Center (JEOC) / State Army Aviation Officer (SAAO).
Providing as much information as possible on the PA-HART mission request form will better prepare the enroute resource to effect a safe and efficient rescue. At a minimum the Requesting Agency must provide an incident location and contact information.
Technicians Credentialing:
All PA-HART technicians are Proboard Surface Water I and II certified and credentialed by PA Army National Guard, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The process is outlined in the PA-HART Standard Operational Guidelines and Training Manuals. Documentation is maintained and signed off in the Helicopter Rescue Technician Position Task Book.
Team Member Evaluation
All team members must pass a physical fitness evaluation- every two years. Criteria and test scoring is found in the PA-HART Standard Operating Guidelines and Training Manual - section 2.4 Prerequisites and Testing.
Special thanks to Texas, Maryland, South and North Carolina Hart for their assistance in preparing this information.