POST FALLS - As the Life Flight rescue helicopter swooped to pick up a "patient" on Thursday, Will Baldwin reflected on the rare training experience that was unfolding.

"A lot of us work for rural departments and we don't have the staffing to set up these kinds of scenarios," said Baldwin, an EMT for the Timberlake Fire Protection District based in Athol, while watching the helicopter land at the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue training grounds.

"It's unique to be able to get this kind of experience. This is very realistic."

More than 400 emergency medical personnel from 12 states are at KCFR's facility on Seltice Way in Post Falls and at The Coeur d'Alene Resort through Saturday for The Summit in Coeur d'Alene organized by EMS Associates.

Mike Helbock, director and part-owner of EMS Associates, said the event has grown from about 100 people from four states who attended the first summit at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn three years ago.

Instructors and speakers from across the country are offering workshops and hands-on training for a variety of scenarios, including confined space rescues, logging accidents, rescue helicopter missions, active shooter and cadaver training.

"The level of education is unmatched anywhere in the Northwest," Helbock said. "There's a lot of small conferences which bring local instructors, but very few pull national leaders to incorporate such hands-on activities and a lecture series."

Attendees discussed with Life Flight employees how best to assist the helicopter crew with transporting a patient from a scene and into the bird. At the cadaver training, dissecting and anatomy sessions were held.

KCFR's Brett Lynch was an instructor at a session in which a vehicle had been struck by a train and the patient was ejected.

"What worked (as far as a rescue) last time may not work this time," Lynch said, adding that every scenario is different and responders need to adjust accordingly.

KCFR's Justin Capaul, who taught sessions on confined space rescues, said as crucial as speed is in rescue missions, the situation needs to be quickly monitored before rescuers are sent into action. Communication is also key, he said.

Capaul said numerous rescue scenarios requires the need for responders to consistently sharpen their training skills.

"We have some of the best instructors in the country here at the same time," he said.