STRAPPED INTO A SINKING HELICOPTER (with U.S. Marines) - Smarter Every Day 201

TL;DR

In this intense training scenario, Destin undergoes training to survive a helicopter crash into water, learning important techniques and equipment to save lives.

Transcript

(helicopter flying) (alarm systems beeping) - [Instructor] Ditching, ditching, ditching. (water rushing) - So, I'm alive. (laughs) All right, here's the deal. My last mission as a U.S. government civil servant was in a helicopter off the coast of Hawaii. We'll learn about that in a future episode, but this video's different. This is not like Destin... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Helicopters behave differently from airplanes when landing in water, requiring specific training to survive such crashes.
• 🤢 Maintaining reference points and staying in the seat during a submerged helicopter can improve chances of finding an exit.
• 🙃 Overcoming the fear of inhaling water while upside down is a significant challenge participants must face during the training.
• 🖐️ Instructors play a vital role in ensuring the safety and success of the participants, requiring constant awareness and quick decision-making.
• 🛝 Staying grounded, calm, and making deliberate decisions is crucial during a chaotic underwater situation.
• 🥺 This training prepares individuals for high-risk scenarios where panic and lack of knowledge can lead to dire consequences.
• 🆘 Gradual exposure to different difficulties in the simulations helps participants learn and adapt to increasingly challenging scenarios.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the key differences between an airplane crash into water and a helicopter crash into water?

Unlike airplanes, helicopters have heavy engines on top, causing them to flip over and sink upon landing in water. This training teaches participants how to survive this scenario.

Q: Why is maintaining reference points important during a helicopter crash into water?

Having reference points helps in navigating the submerged helicopter. By staying in their seat, participants can locate exits and find their way out more efficiently.

Q: How does the training help participants overcome their fear of inhaling water while upside down?

Through controlled simulations, participants are encouraged to breathe while upside down, helping them overcome their mental fears. Instructors provide guidance and encourage slow, deliberate breathing.

Q: What role do the instructors play during the training?

Instructors have a crucial role in keeping participants safe and aware during the chaotic simulations. They must quickly identify those in trouble, provide assistance, and ensure everyone understands the techniques and procedures.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Destin participates in a realistic training scenario to prepare for surviving a helicopter crash into water, an important skill for marines and those working on offshore oil rigs.

• The training involves learning techniques like the "rodeo grip" and understanding Boyle's law to effectively respond in the life-threatening situation.

• Participants undergo multiple simulations, gradually increasing in difficulty, to learn how to stay calm, maintain reference points, and find their way out of the submerged helicopter.