Appendix J: Helicopter Protocols - Revision history

EricChesmar: /* Landing Zones */

2011-03-07T05:33:07Z

‎Landing Zones

EricChesmar: /* General Helicopter Safety */

2011-03-07T05:27:08Z

‎General Helicopter Safety

GregMarsden at 07:05, 3 December 2009

2009-12-03T07:05:59Z

GregMarsden: Helicopter Protocols moved to Appendix J: Helicopter Protocols

2009-01-11T22:23:26Z

Helicopter Protocols moved to Appendix J: Helicopter Protocols

GregMarsden at 09:33, 11 March 2008

2008-03-11T09:33:00Z

GregMarsden at 01:33, 11 March 2008

2008-03-11T01:33:36Z

GregMarsden: New page: {{PatrolManual}} {{ambox|category=Requires Import|text=Formerly Appendix J}} == Landing Zones == Rescue helicopters will generally land only in open spaces where they have a wide range o...

2008-03-11T00:46:56Z

New page: {{PatrolManual}} {{ambox|category=Requires Import|text=Formerly Appendix J}} == Landing Zones == Rescue helicopters will generally land only in open spaces where they have a wide range o...

New page

{{PatrolManual}}
{{ambox|category=Requires Import|text=Formerly Appendix J}}

== Landing Zones ==

Rescue helicopters will generally land only in open spaces where they have a wide range of options for landing and
takeoff. Consequently, patrollers will often have to bring the patient to the helicopter landing area in a sled. Each area
we patrol has one or more possible landing sites, and we must learn the location of each site and keep a written record of
the map coordinates for the site.
Pilots will normally choose their own landing spot in the landing site area, but it is helpful to indicate wind direction by
standing upwind and to the side of the landing spot. Wind direction is indicated with smoke flares or streamers.
General Patient Transfer Procedures
Usually, a patient will be loaded by the personnel aboard the helicopter, and patrollers will not have to approach the
helicopter. In such cases, the primary consideration is to have a clearly marked landing site, and to keep the patient a
sufficient distance from the landing site to assure patient safety and comfort during the landing.

== General Helicopter Safety ==

If it becomes necessary for you to approach a "live" helicopter, i.e., one with a moving rotor, you must keep the
following rules in mind:
1. Before approaching a helicopter make sure the pilot has the ship down on the landing area the way he or she
wants it, and has eased the power (you will hear a noticeable change in engine pitch);
2. Approach (or leave) the helicopter only at an angle visible to the pilot, and always keep your eyes on the pilot
(not on the ground or the helicopter door);
3. Approach the helicopter only from the front or side (preferably the side), and never past a line perpendicular to
the door (i.e., stay away from the tail);
4. When approaching, stay low (squat) to maximize head/rotor clearance, remembering that the rotor blades dip
closer to the ground as the power decreases;
5. Don't stand on the skids, as the pilot might have to take off suddenly;
6. Never approach the helicopter from an uphill position because the rotors will be too close to the ground.
Similarly, don't walk uphill when leaving the helicopter, and remember to stay low when leaving.

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:33, 7 March 2011
Line 11:		Line 11:

	Patrol radios are equipped to communicate on Whitefire 3 for ground-to-aircraft communication. Note that whitefire-3 is not repeated and therefore useful only for line-of-sight communications with the aircraft.		Patrol radios are equipped to communicate on Whitefire 3 for ground-to-aircraft communication. Note that whitefire-3 is not repeated and therefore useful only for line-of-sight communications with the aircraft.
		+
		+	Landing Zone (LZ) Criteria
		+	• 75 x 75 daylight (may be willing to go to 60 x 60)
		+	• 100 x 100 night
		+	• Level with a firm surface
		+	• Clear of sand, gravel and other debris
		+	• No power lines, trees, poles, buildings, or other overhead obstructions near or in the area;
		+	• No vehicles or people within the zone
		+	• Avoid sloped areas (10% maximum)
		+	• If snow is deep it should be ski packed, or, if there is time, boot packed. Inform pilot of any packing and direct to packed area
		+
		+	Marking the Landing Zone (LZ)
		+	• Orange smoke flares during daylight operations
		+	• Headlamps and flashing red Pelican lights at night (mark LZ corners at night)
		+	• Markings such as barrier tape, flag tape, etc. should not be used
		+	LZ Coordinator Responsibilities
		+	• Command and secure the LZ
		+	• Establish radio contact with aircraft
		+	• Assist pilot in locating the LZ
		+	• Keep all bystanders 100' away form the LZ
		+	• Keep everyone away from the tail rotor
		+	• Contact pilot after landing to determine any safety issues

	== General Patient Transfer Procedures ==		== General Patient Transfer Procedures ==

@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 == General Helicopter Safety ==
-If it becomes necessary for you to approach a "live" helicopter, i.e., one with a moving rotor, you must keep the
+If it becomes necessary for you to approach a "live" helicopter, i.e., one with a moving rotor, you must keep the following rules in mind:
 following rules in mind:
 # Obey any and all instructions from the pilot
 # Before approaching a helicopter make sure the pilot has the ship down on the landing area the way he or she wants it, and has eased the power (you will hear a noticeable change in engine pitch);
@@ Line 29: / Line 28: @@
 # Don't stand on the skids, as the pilot might have to take off suddenly;
 # Never approach the helicopter from an uphill position because the rotors will be too close to the ground.  Do not walk uphill when leaving the helicopter. Stay low at all times.
 {{PatrolManual}}

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 == Landing Zones ==
-Rescue helicopters will generally land only in open spaces where they have a wide range of options for landing and
+Multiple helicopters are available for rescues in the Tahoe area. These generally fall into two categories: rescue helicopters and medical evacuation helicopters.
-takeoff. Consequently, patrollers will often have to bring the patient to the helicopter landing area in a sled. Each area
+Rescue helicopters are typically cross-purposed with law enforcement, carry a flight medic, and are capable of short- and long-line rescues. Medical evacuation helicopters carry a Critical Care nurse with a medical control, and typically have greater requirements for landing zones than rescue helicopters.
-we patrol has one or more possible landing sites, and we must learn the location of each site and keep a written record of
-the map coordinates for the site.
-Pilots will normally choose their own landing spot in the landing site area, but it is helpful to indicate wind direction by
+The patrol has pre-designated several landing zones which are suitable for landing either kind of helicopter. Patrollers will often have to bring the patient to the helicopter landing area in a sled. Each area
 standing upwind and to the side of the landing spot. Wind direction is indicated with smoke flares or streamers.
 == General Patient Transfer Procedures ==
 Usually, a patient will be loaded by the personnel aboard the helicopter, and patrollers will not have to approach the
 helicopter. In such cases, the primary consideration is to have a clearly marked landing site, and to keep the patient a
-sufficient distance from the landing site to assure patient safety and comfort during the landing.
+sufficient distance from the landing site to assure patient safety and comfort during the landing. Often the helicopter will be able
 == General Helicopter Safety ==
@@ Line 20: / Line 22: @@
 If it becomes necessary for you to approach a "live" helicopter, i.e., one with a moving rotor, you must keep the
 following rules in mind:
 # Before approaching a helicopter make sure the pilot has the ship down on the landing area the way he or she wants it, and has eased the power (you will hear a noticeable change in engine pitch);
 # Approach (or leave) the helicopter only at an angle visible to the pilot, and always keep your eyes on the pilot (not on the ground or the helicopter door);
@@ Line 25: / Line 28: @@
 # When approaching, stay low (squat) to maximize head/rotor clearance, remembering that the rotor blades dip closer to the ground as the power decreases;
 # Don't stand on the skids, as the pilot might have to take off suddenly;
-# Never approach the helicopter from an uphill position because the rotors will be too close to the ground.  Similarly, don't walk uphill when leaving the helicopter, and remember to stay low when leaving.
+# Never approach the helicopter from an uphill position because the rotors will be too close to the ground.  Do not walk uphill when leaving the helicopter. Stay low at all times.