1. Helicopter Safety for Field Operations
A presentation for
San Diego County RACES
Craig Williams W6CAW, S45
Edited by Cal Fire, Battalion Chief John François

2. Helicopter Rescue Checklist, Before you Call
Before you consider using a helicopter for a rescue:
Have we cross-trained with this helicopter? Does it have the equipment and training to meet the task we are asking of it?
Do we have good communications with the helicopter crew?
Do I have a good landing zone, a designated landing zone coordinator and safety officer? Are we prepared at the scene to rescue the crew in the event of a crash?
Is the weather adequate or is it deteriorating? (Minimums en route and at the scene are 1/2 mile horizontal and a 500 foot ceiling.)
Is there a safer way for the rescue to be effected on the ground?
Is this a rescue or body recovery?
Am I doing this to keep ground rescuers from having to exert themselves?
Is the patient stable or deteriorating?
Is this call being driven by an increasing sense of urgency?

3. Choosing a Landing Zone (LZ)
Try to select an LZ that is adjacent to the scene to avoid the need for ground transport that could prolong a patient’s pre-hospital time.
Select a landing zone that will allow for an angled approach from at least one direction. This approach and departure path should be clear of towers, poles, wires, trees, signs, and other obstructions.

4. Touchdown Area (LZ)
Select a touchdown area that is as flat as possible. The slope should not be more than ten (10) degrees.
Ensure the touchdown surface is firm. Parking lots, roads, sport fields, and other locations are most desirable.
The size of the landing zone during the day should be 75’X75’. The size of the landing zone during the night should be 100’X100’.
The pilot has the final say on the selection of the LZ.
Ensure the touchdown area is free of debris and obstructions. Wet the LZ if it is dusty or has loose gravel.
Keep spectators and vehicles away from the landing zone.

5. Fire equipment
In the Fire Service, for normal operations, SCBA and a charged attack line are required during Copter landings
Follow your organizations SOP’S/Guidelines

6. The Landing Zone Officer
Designate a landing officer ( Ground Contact ) to communicate with the helicopter crew as soon as they are dispatched.
Notify the emergency dispatch center of the frequency you intend to communicate on and the Tactical Call of the Ground contact. Frequencies used in the San Diego area are:
Medical, 800 Med Air
Fire, 800 Fire air
Law Enforcement, 800 Law Air
CDF, CDF Air to Ground
USFS, USFS Air to Ground
Fall Back, OES White 3, Mhz
Provide the helicopter crew with a description of:
The landing zone. Include the size of the landing zone, how it is marked, a list of any nearby obstructions.
Any other air traffic in the area, the wind direction and speed, any other weather conditions that may effect safe air operations.
What you expect them to do. Patient transport, rescue, search.
If a patient transport give a medical size up of the patient/s.
Notify the helicopter crew when you have them in sight. Immediately notify the crew if any last minute hazards are detected or if an unsafe condition develops.

7. Communicating with the Aircraft
12:00
When directing the Helicopter to your location use the clock method based on the NOSE OF THE AIRCRAFT
Never base the clock code on YOUR position
9:00
3:00
6:00

8. Land in front of the truck…….
Which Truck?

9. Ground Personnel Safety
It gets dusty when a helicopter lands.

10. Ground Personnel Safety
Really dusty!.

11. Ground Personnel Safety
Even when you think it shouldn’t be!.

12. Overall Safety
If you have a helmet, secure the chin strap. No other hats should be worn, and nothing loose on your body.
Cover up, head to toe. Wear full coverage goggles and gloves.
Do not approach the helicopter until motioned to do so by a crewmember.
Always walk, never run, around a helicopter. If the landing zone is uneven, never approach or depart from the uphill side. Always use the downhill side where you are in the pilot's view.
Do not touch anything on the helicopter unless directed to do so by a crew member.
Remain clear of the tail rotor and main rotor at all times.
At night. Do not flash any bright lights at the aircraft.
Headlights on low beam, away from the LZ.
Code lights OFF after the helicopter has the LZ identified.

13. Helicopter Loading
Only approach the helicopter, from the front, when motioned to do so by the pilot or crewmember
Danger
Area

14. DUCK!

15. Watch your toes! Stand on top of the skid not next to it.

16. Lift-Off and Departure
The LZ coordinator ( Ground Contact ) will notify the pilot when the landing zone is clear of all ground personnel.
Again check for other air traffic in the area and notify the helicopter the area is clear.
Maintain all protective devices against flying debris.
Notify your dispatch that the helicopter has lifted off and if possible their destination.
If at all possible, try to maintain a secure landing zone with all personnel and emergency equipment for 5 minutes after the helicopter departs. If an in-flight emergency develops, this will allow the pilot to return safely to a secure landing zone.

17. Helicopters you will see in San Diego County.

26. QUESTIONS?