Black Hills Balloons Completes Wilderness First Aid Training:

At Black Hills Balloons, safety has always been our top priority. While a balloon flight is a calm and beautiful adventure, we believe it’s important to be prepared for every situation, even those that may never happen. That’s why we recently completed a Wilderness First Aid course with Don’t Panic Wilderness Medicine, a locally run business that specializes in teaching life-saving skills for outdoor settings.

The truth is, we’ve never needed to put this type of training to use during a flight. Ballooning is remarkably safe, and our guests typically spend their time in the air enjoying stunning views, taking photos, and soaking in the peace and quiet. But we also know that being prepared is part of providing the best possible experience. Having a crew trained in first aid ensures that, should an unexpected situation ever arise, we’re ready to respond quickly and confidently.

Wilderness First Aid training goes beyond everyday first aid. It focuses on scenarios where professional medical help isn’t immediately available—an important skillset for anyone who spends time exploring the wide-open spaces of the Black Hills. From treating minor injuries to recognizing and responding to more serious situations, our team is now even more knowledgeable and equipped to keep passengers safe.

We’d like to give a big shoutout to Don’t Panic Wilderness Medicine. Their team is passionate about safety, teaching, and empowering people who work and play outdoors. They made the training engaging, practical, and directly relevant to the adventures we share with our guests.

Our hope is that we’ll never need to use these new skills—but knowing we’re prepared allows us (and you) to relax and enjoy the ride even more. After all, a safe experience is what makes an unforgettable one possible.