Transcript Aeromedical Operations

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 5th 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
12

Describe your location
in terms of the ship’s
location, not yours
 For example:
“Medivac 1, we have
you in sight. We are at
your 10 o’clock
position.”
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3
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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.