Scene Safety and Coordination

Notify Communications Center of Need for Air Medical Transport

Patient Considerations

• Notify if hazardous materials are involved
• Patient weight - 350 pounds maximum

Notify Communications Center of planned Destination Hospital

Select Landing Zone (LZ) location at or near incident site

• 100' X 100'
• Clear of obstructions / overhead wires
• Less than 10 degrees slope
• Roadway, school, parking lot, or field
• If very rural, consider GPS locator

Select Ground Contact & Radio Frequency

• If not known at time of call - "LZ Command" will be used
• Use common Frequencies

Before the Helicopter Arrives

LZ Inspection

• Clear of debris and unsecured materials.
• Brush & Snow no taller than knee high.

Prepare an LZ brief description

• Note overhead wires, light standards, radio towers, fences, obstructions,
• or other hazards in relation to compass bearings (N,S,E,W).
• Note surface winds and visibility.

LZ Safety and Security

• Fire department personnel maintain a 100' perimeter for bystanders, from aircraft arrival to departure.

• Personal protective equipment (vision and hearing protection) should be utilized.

LZ Lighting issues

• No white strobe lights.
• Red lights assist in noting location
• Flares okay if not a fire hazard due to the helicopter downwash.
• All white lights (headlights) OFF during landing and takeoff, to protect pilot's night vision
• Do not spotlight overhead hazards

Brief the pilot prior to arrival, noting locations of known hazards in the LZ area.

Remain in two-way radio contact throughout landing.

Be prepared to call off landing if LZ or helicopter approach becomes unsafe.

While in the LZ

• Do not approach the helicopter until the rotor blades have stopped or directed by the crew.
• Approach the helicopter only from the front, once directed by the flight crew.
• Do not walk around the tail, even when aircraft is shut down.
• Maintain the LZ security and light restrictions at all times.
• Review know hazards with the pilot before aircraft departure.

Helicopter Departure

• Clear all ground personnel away from the helicopter before engine start.
• No one may approach after engine(s) started.
• Re-establish two-way radio contact with pilot and confirm the LZ is secure.
• Notify the pilot immediately if an unsafe situation develops.

LZ Brief Example

"Central #, this is (LZ command).

The landing zone is a (roadway, school, parking lot, field), surrounded by (street trees, buildings, fences), approximately (dimensions), marked by (strobes, lights, flares, cones).

Obstacles and hazards in the area are (wires, light standards, radio towers, fences) to the (note in each compass direction).

Surface winds are (calm, light, variable, strong, gusting) in (compass direction).

Clearest path of approach is from the (direction)."

LANDING ZONE SAFETY

Some simple requests to assure our mission in transporting and caring for your patient is carried out safely for all concerned:

• Have designated landing zone contact.

• Please do not approach the helicopter until signaled by the pilot.

• When signaled, walk slowly toward the helicopter. Do not hold anything above you head.

• Remove your hat and other loose articles.

• Always approach from the front (or side if appropriate to the model of helicopter) in view of the pilot. Never approach from behind.

• No one is permitted within 20 feet of a moving rotor system unless otherwise directed by the pilot.

• No smoking at any time or within 100 feet of the aircraft.

• No running within 50 feet of the aircraft.

• Litters may not have IV poles, mattress pads, sheets, blankets, pans, or loose articles when brought to the helicopter for loading or unloading.

• Flat surface, 100 ft x 100 ft is preferred.

• No obstacles near landing zone, such as wires, trees, fence rows, etc.

• When the helicopter has landed on a slope, always approach and depart the helicopter on the downhill side.

• Never walk downhill toward the helicopter, nor should you walk uphill away from the helicopter.

• No vehicles, including ambulances or police cars, within 20 feet of the aircraft.

• Please do not use artificial light, such as filming, photo flashbulbs or flood lights during landing or take off. No white lights, including headlights.

• Due to rotor down wash, debris will be blown around during landing and take offs. Always protect your eyes and the eyes of the patient.

In compliance with FAA Regulations, the pilot is the final authority for any safety of flight issues, including, but not limited to accepting a flight, selection of a landing zone, continuation or cancellation of a flight due to weather, loading and securing of equipment, or any other issue relevant to the operation of the helicopter.