1helicopter operations.ppt last revised: 16 july 2002 helicopter operations developed as part of the...

1Helicopter Operations.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002

Helicopter Operations

Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project


Reasons to transport survivors via helicopter

• Would the amount of time needed to transport a patient by ground transportation to an appropriate facility pose a threat to the patient's survival and recovery?

• Would weather, road conditions, or other factors affecting the use of ground transportation seriously delay the patient's access to advanced life support care?

• Does the available rescue have the clinical skills or equipment needed to care for the patient during transport?


Aggravating Factors

• Patients with advanced medical trauma issues may need to be transported via helicopter. The following aggravating factors are indicators– Head injuries or comatose– A systolic blood pressure <90– A respiratory rate <10 or >35– A pulse rate <60 or >120– A prolonged extrication


– Paralysis of extremities or spinal cord injuries– Associated fatalities– A sprung or crushed pelvis– Severe oral or facial injuries– A need for Advanced Life Support– An inability to maintain a patient airway– Qualified personnel make the decision to use

a helicopter

Aggravating Factors Continued


Information needed when requesting a helicopter

• Team Name, organization, and team information• Exact location of the accident, Latitude and

Longitude• Accident location in relation to towns or major

roads, as well as recent major hazards possibly caused by the accident

• Nature of Accident• Number and relative ages of patients


Info. needed when requesting a helicopter Continued

• Types of injuries of patients to be transported

• Whether patients are trapped or were involved in a prolonged extrication

• Frequency and callsigns to communicate with ground crews from the helicopter, along with PL tones if any


Landing Site Requirements

• Should measure at least 60 feet square, preferably larger around 100 feet square– Obstructions surrounding the site may necessitate it

to be larger– Remember that even though a helicopter may be

able to land along a vertical plane in most situations, most helicopter pilots will want to have an approach and takeoff area


Landing Site Requirements Continued

• Consider the type of ground– Don't want an extremely sloped or rocky field– Notify pilot of any obstructions such as tall grass, rocks,

or loose dirt. The pilots point of view causes him not to be able to see them until right on top of them

• Consider possible alternative sites if the accident site or first landing site chosen is possibly unfeasible


• Mark the corners with secure items so that problems don't occur in the rotor wash– Many companies make markers specifically for

this option– Smoke isn’t recommended in this situation

because most first responders in an overzealous mode will make the site invisible rather than just an edge

Marking the Landing Site


Marking the Landing Site Continued

• At night, the landing area should be illuminated, but take caution not to blind the pilot on landing and takeoff

– Have vehicles aim lights on low beams into the site– The helicopter pilot will most likely contact the

ground crew to also turn these off so that the pilot and crew isn’t blinded on the approach

– All helicopters have some sort of landing light



• Clear the site of all debris that might get sucked up in the rotor wash – Only put signal markers in the center of the

landing area on request of the helicopter pilot.


Approaching the Helicopter

• Stay out of the landing site unless accompanied by a member of the aircrew or directed by an aircrew member.

• Always approach the helicopter from the front of the aircraft because of helicopter blind spots and danger areas.

• Always approach the helicopter in a crouched position with IVs or long objects carried low or parallel to the ground


Approaching the Helicopter Continued

• When approaching on a slope, approach from downhill, since the rotor will be closer on the uphill side normally, if unsure wait for an escort from the flight crew.

• Never walk around in the tail rotor area.


Helicopter Approach Area


Helicopter Approach Area Continued


• DO NOT SMOKE in the landing area.• No vehicles are allowed within the landing site

• Transferring patient(s) from the team litter to the helicopter litter is done outside of the landing area

• Only the flight crew will open and close the doors or compartments on the helicopter

• All unauthorized personnel should stay out of the landing area.

General Helicopter Guidelines


Helicopter Operations Tasks

• Ground Team Leader– O-1002: Establish a Helicopter Landing Zone

1helicopter operations.ppt last revised: 16 july 2002 helicopter operations developed as part of the...

Documents

helicopter operations

aggravating factors

following aggravating

patients survival

use of ground transportation

advanced life support

advanced medical trauma

indicators head injuries