Students taking the EMT Pathways Program at Mason City High School experienced a helicopter landing on the school campus Monday. They explored what a hospital helicopter looks like, how it performs, and the protocols for launching and landing.
The EMT Pathways Program is one of several classes that partners with the Mason City Fire Department (MCFD) and MercyOne. This helps students get opportunities to see what the job is actually like. Senior Parker Fenton is taking the course and says he’s learned this is what he wants to do.
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The Mercy One helicopter pilots communicate a safe landing on the Mason City Riverhawk soccer field. May 4, 2026
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A MercyOne helicopter pilot shows EMT students how the stretcher works. Depending on the emergency and how much critical time responders have on the ground, the patient can enter the side or back of the helicopter. May 4, 20206
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After a MercyOne medic helicopter lands on the MCHS campus for a simulation, EMT students are allowed to see the inside and learn more about the medical materials inside. May 4, 2026
“I think other people should take this class, because if they are interested in EMT, it is a great start,” said Fenton, “Even if you’re not, you learn a lot about emergency care, vitals, a ton of skills you can apply in almost any other healthcare job.”
Students who took this class spent a semester on emergency medical scenarios. They are completing clinical hours at both MercyOne and MCFD. At the end of this class, students will have the opportunity to sit for the certification exam to become an EMT rescue professional.
“It’s a great way to get your foot in the door, just experiment with things you like,” said senior Isiah Foster, “[It] will tell you if there are things that you can’t handle or can handle really well. It also will help you with your social skills because you have to talk to different people every day. It’s never the same thing, so if someone likes a mixture of problems you have to solve, it’s the best way to go,” Said Isiah Foster
Students who take this course receive 7 NIACC credits and don’t have to pay a cent for it.
