Appendix J: Helicopter Protocols
Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol Manual
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:
- 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);
- 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);
- 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.
