1. Changes to Current Scene Procedures

2. What is occurring
Beginning August 1st, pilots will no longer get out of the aircraft, while on scene, to guard the aircraft’s tail rotor
As a result of this, we may be asking for your help in keeping all persons involved safe from harm, by acting as a “LZ Safety Officer (s)”

3. How:
LifeFlight crew will notify ground personnel of the need for LZ Safety Officer (s) either by radio or once the aircraft has landed
Once the LifeFlight crew has exited the aircraft, one of the crew will approach and position the LZ Safety Officer (s)
Do not approach the aircraft on your own

4. Perimeter Guard(s): Will be placed by LifeFlight crew
Will be greater than 50 feet from rotor disk
Will be in visual contact with pilot
Will not move from set position, unless absolutely necessary, and never towards tail of aircraft
Will watch for approaching people/vehicles and will make every effort to stop them by waving or other signal
Will exit position from the front of the aircraft once given a signal from LifeFlight crew

6. Once the patient contact has been made and the LifeFlight crew is ready to depart, one crewmember will go to the aircraft with unneeded equipment
Other crewmember will determine the number of persons needed to assist with loading the patient
Once given the “all clear” from the first crewmember, the remaining crewmember and assistants will depart towards the aircraft

7. The first crewmember will be guarding the tail rotor, in the same manner that the pilots have done in the past
Once the patient is loaded, the assistants will depart from the aircraft in the same direction as they approached
The LZ Safety Officer (s) will also be given an “all clear” signal so that they may depart the LZ

8. As the aircraft departs, we ask your assistance in looking at the aircraft for anything unusual
If there is something seen that is out of the ordinary, please notify aircraft, via radio
If you have any questions, please contact LifeFlight Flight Communications at: