This presentation discusses issues the ground crew needs to know for both EMS and Rescue incidents. Includes Dispatch Information, Landing Zone Setup, L/Z Command Responsibilities, L/Z Safety Information, Patient and Equipment Loading. Presentation is over 50 slides in length. Estimated teaching time is 2-3 hours. Presentation is NFPA compliant

1. PREVIEW OF
HELICOPTER
RESCUE
AWARENESS
BRAVE TRAINING SOLUTIONS
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Copyright 2020
R17 V1

2. This presentation meets the didactic training
requirement for NFPA 1006 CH 16-2021 &
NFPA 1670 CH 15-2017

3. OBJECTIVES
Identify the need for Helicopter transport
Landing Zone (L/Z)set up
L/Z Officer duties
L/Z security
Patient loading

4. ADVANTAGES OF AIR MEDICAL
Specialized care – skills, supplies, equipment
Often can stabilize patient with specialized
equipment & staffing
Rapid transport
Travels at higher speeds than ground
transport
Access to remote areas
Can get to inaccessible areas
Most hospitals have helicopter helipads

5. COMMUNICATION ISSUES
Air crew will make contact with L/Z command
before landing
Communications should include landing
hazards, & patient update
Multiple radios-different frequencies
Hand or flashlight signals at L/Z
Do not point at pilot

6. PATIENT PREPARATION
Have patient ready to load
No loose equipment
Have oxygen secured to cot
Must be decontaminated of
Hazmats
Hazmats can not be transported
FAA regulation
Flight crew does not have proper PPE
Photo by BLM Nevada

7. L/Z SELECTION & PREPARATION
100’ x 100’ level area (less than 8o slope)
Free of overhead obstructions (wires, trees)
At least 150’ from accident scene
Secure loose objects
Including markers
At night have L/Z properly
lighted
No strobes or road flares
100’
100’
WIND
LIGHTS
MARKERS

8. SCENE SAFETY
Do not approach the aircraft till directed by pilot
Probably after rotors have stopped
Make sure the L/Z is safe & secure
No smoking, traffic, or vehicles within 100’ of
helicopter
Assign a tail rotor guard
Have Engine on site
Photo by Heather F Smith

9. WIND DIRECTION
Helicopters normally face wind in landing & take
off
Indicate wind direction with markers
Pilot will judge wind direction & obstacles in
determining approach

10. SAFETY & SECURITY
Should be near L/Z
Lines & SCBA should not need to be pulled until
crash happens
Keep pedestrian & vehicle traffic back 200’
Keep Fire Rescue back 100’

11. LOADING THE PATIENT
First responders & ambulance
crew will assist flight crew
in transporting patient to
helicopter
Patient may be very heavy with extra medical
equipment attached
Follow flight crews directions
If loading while engine is running communications
may be difficult
Photo by FEMA

12. WHILE IN FLIGHT
Remain seated & seat belted
Equipment must be secured
Do NOT touch the buttons or controls
Follow flight crews directions
Discuss mission as necessary
Preplan landing with pilot
Use supplied headset for communications &
hearing safety

13. HELI-CASTING
Insertion of swimmer into the water to assist
victim
Photo by U S Navy

14. BOAT-WINCHING OPERATIONS
Boat operator should have masts & antennas
lowered
Visibility is reduced due to rotor wash
Photo by U S NavyPhoto by U S Coast Guard

15. BOAT-WINCHING OPERATIONS
Headgear & eye protection needs to be worn
Tagline or other parts of winching equipment
may have static electricity so allow it to touch
the deck to discharge the electricity
Brief all personnel about winching procedures
Do NOT fasten wire or basket to vessel in any
way

16. BOAT WINCH OPERATIONS
Maintain radio communications between boat &
helicopter
Crewman may be lowered to properly package
patient or provide emergency care

17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK BELOW
HELICOPTER