1. Aeromedical Operations
4/26/2017
Aeromedical Operations
Temple College

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. Communications with Crew12 6 3 9
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.”

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.