1. Helicopter Safety 2015
Agusta
109

2. Nevada Base Locations Mercy Air 7 – Henderson Mercy Air 11 - Mesquite
Mercy Air 21 - Pahrump

3. A109 Exterior

4. A109 Interior – 2 Designs

5. Be Aware! Do not Sit or Stand on wheel supports.
(Has an edging that breaks off)
Navigation Antenna
(Not a handle!)

6. Be Aware!
The bottom of the helicopter has many connected pieces. These are antennas, lights, etc.

7. Stay Clear of the Tail Rotor!
Safe Zones-Pilot nod

8. Scene Request Requesting agency GPS LZ/scene Thomas Guide Intersection
City
Type of call
Patient weight
Number of patients
Additional pertinent info (aircraft, extrication)
Ground contact
Radio frequency

9. Air to Ground Communications
Common frequency to both providers – Clark County Mercy Air Channel or current Tac Channel
Start to monitor frequency early in call

10. Describing LZ to Flight Crew
LOCATION
Clock Orientation
SIZE
OBSTRUCTIONS
SURFACE
WIND

11. Over Scene Confirm scene secure and ground providers ready
If not ready, ADVISE the aircraft

12. Sterile Cockpit Maintain radio contact Avoid talking-
During aircraft approach and landing:
Maintain radio contact
Avoid talking-
ONLY if necessary or safety related

13. What To Expect From Flight Crew On Scene
Frank
Pilot will remain in aircraft while hot
Medical crew will exit and approach ground providers/patient

14. What We Expect On Scene
Do not approach aircraft until accompanied by crew
Maintain secure area; no bystanders
Clear debris

15. On Scene Communication
Initial patient contact and patient report
Quick assessment
Emergent advanced procedures, if needed
Destination
Obtain copy of PCR
Loading instructions

16. Considerations for Choosing an LZ
As close as possible to scene
Access to patient and aircraft
Rotor wash/debris
Bystanders/crowd control
Resources for road closures
SOP EM-25

17. Night Operations
At night, walk the LZ while lowering and raising light to check for obstructions
Red code lights overhead

18. Night Vision
White head lights towards center of LZ or at hazards (be ready to turn off as landing for pilot orientation, if requested)
Avoid bright white lights
For pilot night vision, do not shine lights directly on aircraft

19. LZ Requirements Minimum 100 feet x 100 feet Land facing into the wind
Land downwind from scene
Level as possible surface
< 10% grade if rising slope
Free of overhead obstructions & ground- level hazards

20. Preparing LZ Clear loose debris Secure loose items
Hats and helmets strapped or not worn
Hearing and eye protection

21. Securing LZ
Maintain control, security and communications of LZ until departure / aircraft is out of view

22. LZ Safety
Ground providers and bystanders secure in vehicles with doors shut and windows up
Assign an individual as “safety person” or IC

23. Marking the LZ
Fire Apparatus - will depend on number of vehicles available
Park P.D. or Fire vehicles under or near obstructions
Alternative options
LZ kits/green glow sticks
Flares - caution

24. Loading Safety
Never approach the aircraft unless an all-clear signal has been given by the pilot.

25. Loading Safety – Hot Loading
Hot Loading: loading or off-loading a patient while the rotors are still spinning.
Due to the lower rotor height on the A109 airframe, Mercy Air 7, 11, and 21 DO NOT utilize Hot Loading.
The crew will exit the aircraft and come to you to get the patient.

26. Loading Safety Approach/depart from side of aircraft only
Do not approach/depart from uphill position

27. Loading Safety Rotor clearance- do not hold anything above your head
Let flight crew open and close the doors

28. Log in Sunpro: OSHA>HELOSAFE