Aeromedical Operations Temple College EMS Professions

Why Call The Helicopter? Access to interventions not available from ground unit. (Be sure this is true before calling for this reason.) Rapid patient transport. Think of it as an ambulance that goes 180 mph in a straight line.

Landing Zone Flat area clear of obstructions Daytime: 60 feet x 60 feet Nighttime: 100 feet x 100 feet At least 50 yards from rescue scene to minimize rotor wash effects Remove loose debris; Wet down area with water fog to minimize dust

Landing Zone On divided highways, stop all traffic in both directions Warn crew of locations of power lines, poles, antennas, trees Mark each corner of LZ; put a 5 th device on the upwind side NEVER point any kind of light at a helicopter on approach at night

Landing Zone Move bystanders back at least 200 feet Keep emergency personnel 100 feet away during landing No smoking within 50 feet of aircraft

Communications with Crew Describe your location in terms of the ships location, not yours For example: Medivac 1, we have you in sight. We are at your 10 oclock position

Operations Near Helicopters Secure all loose items, including hats and stretcher sheets Never approach until pilot signals you to Approach from front, keeping pilot in sight Approach from downhill if ship is on incline NEVER cross behind or underneath the ship

Operations Near Helicopters Crouch when approaching, leaving ship NEVER attempt to open a door or operate other equipment on the ship Follow ALL crew instructions exactly

Operations Near Helicopters By federal law, the pilot has absolute command over the ship. He has final authority to determine whether or not to attempt a mission or a maneuver. Highest priority always is given to the safety of the ship and its crew.