Helicopter lands at scene of farm accident

Richard Hahlweg was injured in a farm accident five miles northwest of Venango Friday, June 1 which prompted an AirLife helicopter to land on scene of the Paul Hahlweg property. 

Sedgwick County, Colorado Ambulance Service was called to the farm accident at Colorado County Roads 61 and 10. Venango Volunteer Fire Department was paged to assist Sedgwick County in preparing a landing zone for AirLife. 

Because of state licensing, Venango does not have emergency medical service jurisdiction in Colorado. 

According to Venango Fire Chief Steve Tucker, the injured was attempting to grease a planter when the driver of the connected tractor began backing up, unaware he was there. 

The planter caught Hahlweg’s foot, and proceeded to run over his leg, hip and possibly part of his abdomen. 

An AirLife helicopter has been stationed at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke, Colorado since May 1. Due to the extent of Hahlweg’s injuries, the paramedics determined he needed to be treated at a Level I trauma center. The decision was made to bypass an ambulance transfer and have him taken directly to Greeley by the AirLife helicopter. 

Tucker said the department prepared a landing zone and AirLife was on scene in around 12 minutes. The helicopter circled the scene and landed safely. 

The helicopter has been used several times since May 1, but the pilot told Tucker this was the first time they’ve landed at the scene of an accident. 

No update was available on Hahlweg’s current condition.