Helicopters should only be utilized when access to the patient is nearly impossible by ground or when a victim is seriously injured and standard ground evacuation techniques would be too lengthy for the victim to survive.

 

Ground-based rescues should be initiated upon the arrival of the first TRT unit.  The Technical Rescue Team should always operate under the assumption that the helicopter may not arrive because any one of a number of variables could cause a pilot to abort his mission.

 

Mountainous terrain presents a multitude of hazards.  Downdrafts may occur any time but are more frequent in canyons.  Hovers near cliffs produce recirculation of winds produced by the helicopter.  At maximum power, this situation can only be corrected by movement.

 

Another important consideration in Arizona is the effect of heat on helicopter operations.  Heat greatly reduces the performance of the helicopter.

 

The following are safety tips to follow during loading or unloading of helicopters.

Establish eye contact with pilot or observer before approaching if rotors are moving.

 

1.   Do no approach helicopter after landing until pilot or observer signals approval to approach the aircraft.

 

2.   Approach and  depart from the front or side of the helicopter (never towards the tail) in a crouching position; remain in view of the pilot and/or observer.

     

3.      Keep in front of the rear strut of the skid.   At no time shall personnel approach the tail area of any helicopter.

 

4.      If the ship is hovering during boarding, stand by until told to board by a crew

member, then move slowly and evenly on to the ship.  This allows the pilot to compensate.

 

5.      Winds up to 80 knots can be produced under the rotor.  Packs should be carried by hand with no equipment on the outside of the packs.

 

6.   Fasten seat belt upon entering helicopter and leave buckled until pilot signals to exit.  Fasten seat belt behind you before leaving.

 

7.      KEEP LOW!

 

Landing Zones 

 

The selection of an appropriate landing zone is of critical importance in all field situations.  A suitable landing area must be located and identified for the pilot.

 

Command will assign personnel to select and identify a landing zone.   The assigned personnel shall have a portable radio, helmet, eye protection, ear protection, and highly visible safety vests.

 

The landing zone must be relatively flat and free of obstructions for an area of at least 60 feet square (60’ X 60’).  A visual check should be made for overhead wires, poles, towers and similar obstructions.

 

“Special Use” landing zones are defined as any landing zone where the pilot cannot land and shut down power to the aircraft. “Special Use” landing zones are technical by nature and shall be staffed by members of the Technical Rescue Team at both the base and off site landing zones.

 

The landing zone should be located at least 300 from other activity areas.

 

Approach and departure paths (into the wind) must be free of obstructions, and should not pass over a treatment area, command post, or other activity areas where noise and rotor wash will cause problems.

 

The landing zone and surrounding area must be free of small objects which can be blown around by rotor wash.  Check for metal objects; secure loose clothing or blankets.

 

Avoid dusty locations if possible.  If the landing area is dusty, wet down the area with a hose line before landing.

 

When more than one Landing Zone is required, they should be a minimum of 600’ apart.

 

Landing zone personnel shall use eye protection or helmet faceshields.  Helmet chin straps shall be tightened securely.

 

Provide wind indicators for take-off and landings; back to the wind, arms extended in front of body.

 

Be aware that the spotlights used to illuminate obstructions can blind the pilot.  Extreme caution should be used.