“Turbines are the same as any other obstruction, like radio towers, power lines and buildings,” said Rayford. “There may be some delays, but transporting a patient to a helicopter is a very efficient procedure.”

The pilot decides what is safe and makes a decision based on many different factors at the time of the incident, Rayford said.

The modern windmills may create clean energy but they are a clear and present danger to air ambulances.

Milwaukee-based Flight for Life has notified first responders in Fond du Lac County that air ambulances will not land near the windmill clusters here.

“They are up in the air,” said Flight for Life’s Claire Rayford. “We have to be aware of them. Depending on how high they are, they may not be lit.”

That decision worries former law enforcement officer and Byron resident Curt Kindschuh.

“I do understand where they’re coming from,” Kindschuh said as he stood in the shadow of one of the windmills he despises. “But, how many people here could potentially be at risk because of that?”

Kindschuh has a long list of complaints about the massive turbines. Still, he maintains public safety is his key concern.

“Does somebody have to get thrown into an ambulance now and carted two, three, four miles to Flight for Life,” he asked with a shrug of his broad shoulders. “That delay could make a major difference between life and death.”

Flight for Life maintains public safety does not have to be compromised.

I understand this has been a topic of controversy for more than a year in Calumet County. I have had numerous inquiries from citizens, the sheriff’s department, pilots and hospital administrators from Calumet County.

My message to all involved has remained constant: ThedaStar will continue to fly within Calumet County directly to accident scenes as requested or to Calumet Medical Center, even after the wind turbines are constructed.