Helicopter Safety for SAR Operations

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Helicopter Safety for SAR Operations
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Helicopter Rescue Checklist, Before you Call

• Before you consider using a helicopter for a
  rescue
• Have we cross-trained with this helicopter? Does
  it have the equipment and training to meet the
  task we are asking of it?
• Do we have good communications with the
  helicopter crew?
• Do I have a good landing zone, a designated
  landing zone coordinator and safety officer? Are
  we prepared at the scene to rescue the crew in
  the event of a crash?
• Is the weather adequate or is it deteriorating?
  (Minimums en route and at the scene are 1/2 mile
  horizontal and a 500 foot ceiling.)
• Is there a safer way for the rescue to be
  effected on the ground?
• Is this a rescue or body recovery?
• Am I doing this to keep ground rescuers from
  having to exert themselves?
• Is the patient stable or deteriorating?
• Is this call being driven by an increasing sense
  of urgency?

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Choosing a Landing Zone (LZ)

• Try to select an LZ that is adjacent to the scene
  to avoid the need for ground transport that could
  prolong a patients pre-hospital time.
• Select a landing zone that will allow for an
  angled approach from at least one direction. This
  approach and departure path should be clear of
  towers, poles, wires, trees, signs, and other
  obstructions.

4
Touchdown Area (LZ)

• Select a touchdown area that is as flat as
  possible. The slope should not be more than ten
  (10) degrees.
• Ensure the touchdown surface is firm. Parking
  lots, roads, sport fields, and other locations
  are most desirable.
• The size of the landing zone during the day
  should be 75X75. The size of the landing zone
  during the night should be 100X100.
• The pilot has the final say on the selection of
  the LZ.
• Ensure the touchdown area is free of debris and
  obstructions. Wet the LZ if it is dusty or has
  loose gravel.
• Keep spectators and vehicles away from the
  landing zone.

5
Fire equipment

• In the Fire Service, for normal operations, SCBA
  and a charged attack line are required during
  Copter landings
• Follow your organizations SOPS/Guidelines

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The Landing Zone Officer

• Designate a landing officer ( Ground Contact ) to
  communicate with the helicopter crew as soon as
  they are dispatched.
• Notify the emergency dispatch center of the
  frequency you intend to communicate on and the
  Tactical Call of the Ground contact. Provide the
  helicopter crew with a description of
• The landing zone. Include the size of the landing
  zone, how it is marked, a list of any nearby
  obstructions.
• Any other air traffic in the area, the wind
  direction and speed, any other weather conditions
  that may effect safe air operations.
• What you expect them to do. Patient transport,
  rescue, search.
• If a patient transport, give a medical size up of
  the patient/s.
• Notify the helicopter crew when you have them in
  sight. Immediately notify the crew if any last
  minute hazards are detected or if an unsafe
  condition develops.

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Communicating with the Aircraft
1200

• When directing the Helicopter to your location
  use the clock method based on the NOSE OF THE
  AIRCRAFT
• Never base the clock code on YOUR position

900
300
600
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Land in front of the truck.
Which Truck?
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Ground Personnel Safety
It gets dusty when a helicopter lands.
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Ground Personnel Safety
Really dusty!.
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Ground Personnel Safety
Even when you think it shouldnt be!.
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Overall Safety

• If you have a helmet, secure the chin strap. No
  other hats should be worn, and nothing loose on
  your body.
• Cover up, head to toe. Wear full coverage goggles
  and gloves.
• Do not approach the helicopter until motioned to
  do so by a crewmember.
• Always walk, never run, around a helicopter. If
  the landing zone is uneven, never approach or
  depart from the uphill side. Always use the
  downhill side where you are in the pilot's view.
• Do not touch anything on the helicopter unless
  directed to do so by a crew member.
• Remain clear of the tail rotor and main rotor at
  all times.
• At night. Do not flash any bright lights at the
  aircraft.
• Headlights on low beam, away from the LZ.
• Code lights OFF after the helicopter has the LZ
  identified.

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Helicopter Loading
Only approach the helicopter, from the front,
when motioned to do so by the pilot or crewmember
Danger
Area
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DUCK!
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Watch your toes!Stand on top of the skid not
next to it.
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Lift-Off and Departure

• The LZ coordinator ( Ground Contact ) will notify
  the pilot when the landing zone is clear of all
  ground personnel.
• Again check for other air traffic in the area and
  notify the helicopter the area is clear.
• Maintain all protective devices against flying
  debris.
• Notify your dispatch that the helicopter has
  lifted off and if possible their destination.
• If at all possible, try to maintain a secure
  landing zone with all personnel and emergency
  equipment for 5 minutes after the helicopter
  departs. If an in-flight emergency develops, this
  will allow the pilot to return safely to a secure
  landing zone.