The state's snowmobile organization and medical emergency flight service are working together to improve safety along the state's 13,000 miles of snowmobile trails.

LifeFlight of Maine and the Maine Snowmobile Association have teamed up to establish landing zones along Maine Trail System. The two groups also are trying to train snowmobile clubs across the state how to develop a comprehensive rescue plan for snowmobilers who are injured or become critically ill along the trail.

"By establishing a plan locally, clubs and responders will know what resources are available and how to implement those resources when the need arises," said Bob LaFontaine, vice president of the Maine Snowmobile Association's Coastal Region. "LifeFlight is not needed at every accident, but when they are, this project will help ensure the helicopter can gain direct access to the trail system."

Each local club will locate sites along the trail that meet criteria for a landing zone, which include a firm, level area in a 100-by-100-foot square that is clear of trees, limbs and power lines. Clubs will then provide GPS coordinates for the sites, and panoramic photographs.

The information will be maintained in a database at MedComm, which provides dispatching services for LifeFlight and other ground ambulance services.

For more informmation, or to schedule a training session at your local snowmobile club, contact Jon Roebuck at jonr@medcommdispatch.org or 888-421-4228 or call the LifeFlight Foundation at 785-2288.