Landing zone safety and security is of utmost importance during
helicopter landings at various designated or undesignated sites.
To facilitate medical transport of patients, Boston MedFlight,
in conjunction with community fire departments, developed a set
of safe designated landing zone areas, identified and recorded by
global positioning system coordinates.
In addition to designated landing zones, the helicopter may land
at an undesignated landing zone. In the event of an undesignated
landing zone situation, communication must exist between Boston
MedFlight and ground personnel in order to identify the landing zone
and clear the area of obstructions. Highway and open field landings
are the most common undesignated landing zones.
Dimensions
Minimum 100 ft x 100 ft
Safety
Requirements
Area should
be clear of debris (trash cans, barriers, cones, etc.)
Obstructions
should be noted and relayed to the pilot (wires, tall trees, light stanchions, antennas, etc.)
Crowd control
should be ensured prior to our arrival
During a night landing:
· No lights should be pointed toward the sky.
· Emergency lights should be on to help locate the
LZ.
· Two vehicles should be stationed at the corners to
make an "x" with their low beam lights.
· Any obstructions should be illuminated.
· Crews routinely use night vision goggles.
Emergency vehicles may be asked to shut off emergency lights.
Crew will ask
ground personnel to monitor general area around aircraft and to secure
the LZ from bystanders.
Aircraft engines
will remain running (rotor blades may or may not be turning) while
on the ground unless unusual circumstances exist.
No one should
approach the aircraft without permission from the flight crew and
must be accompanied by a flight crew member at all times.
Loading
Procedure
When moving the patient
from the scene to the helicopter certain rules need to be
followed:
· Crew will assign 4 personnel to help carry the stretcher
to the aircraft – crew will brief personnel on procedure.
· All chinstraps should be secured. Unsecured hats,
such as baseball caps are hazardous.
· It is important to follow the instructions of the crew
at all times.
· Remember to exit in the same direction that you
approached the aircraft.
· Loading the patient in the aircraft varies with each
helicopter.
· Approach and departure from the aircraft will always occur
a the 3 or 9 o'clock position.
Robins Street, Hangar 1727, Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford, MA 01730