Helicopter Operations

Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project

Helicopter Operations.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 1

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?
Helicopter Operations.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 2

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
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Helicopter Operations.ppt

Aggravating Factors Continued

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

Helicopter Operations.ppt

Last Revised: 16 July 2002

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
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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
Helicopter Operations.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 6

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
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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
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Landing Site Requirements Continued

Helicopter Operations.ppt

Last Revised: 16 July 2002

Landing Site Requirements Continued

Helicopter Operations.ppt

Last Revised: 16 July 2002

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Marking the Landing Site

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

Helicopter Operations.ppt

Last Revised: 16 July 2002

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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 isnt blinded on the approach All helicopters have some sort of landing light
Helicopter Operations.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 12

Marking the Landing Site Continued

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.

Helicopter Operations.ppt

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Marking the Landing Site Continued

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Marking the Landing Site Continued

Helicopter Operations.ppt

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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
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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.

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Helicopter Approach Area

Helicopter Operations.ppt

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Helicopter Approach Area Continued

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General Helicopter Guidelines

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.
Helicopter Operations.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 20

Helicopter Operations Tasks

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

Helicopter Operations.ppt

Last Revised: 16 July 2002

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