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Medical Helicopter Safety In-service

Medical Helicopter Safety In-service. EMS Service Joseph Lewis, M.D. March, 2009. SAFETY. Recommendations: Do not approach a running helicopter unless instructed to do so by the crew .

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Medical Helicopter Safety In-service

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  1. Medical Helicopter Safety In-service EMS Service Joseph Lewis, M.D. March, 2009

  2. SAFETY Recommendations: Do not approach a running helicopter unless instructed to do so by the crew. Always approach from the front in full view of the pilot and only when the pilot says it is safe to do so. Do not get involved with hot off-loading or on-loading of patients unless you have been properly trained to do so. Secure all loose items in the vicinity of the landing area.

  3. Be alert around the helicopter

  4. Be alert around the helicopter

  5. SAFETY • Safety tips to remember • Don’t leave gurneys unattended. • Lock wheels when loading and unloading • Keep sheets and blankets secure. Some helicopters require a gurney to move patients while others have their own portable stretcher system.

  6. SECURITY Train and designate personnel to provide security. Set up security 7-10 minutes prior to arrival. Block all traffic (vehicle & pedestrian) near the touchdown area during landing and takeoff. Secure a 200 foot area around the landing zone area for safety. Security personnel should stay on site until the helicopter has departed.

  7. MARKING AND IDENTIFICATION Non Permanent Locations: Mark all four corners of touchdown area, using; 4 Flares anchored to the ground, if you deem them safe. 4 Orange cones, weighted if possible. 4 Strobes, anchored to the ground. Use one additional marker on the side the wind is coming from. • Do Not Use: • People, police tape or fire hose

  8. 100 FEET 100 FEET

  9. Non Standard Landing Zone Selection • Level: No more than a 5 degree slope. • Firm: Concrete, asphalt or grass. • No loose debris within 200 feet. • No overhead obstructions

  10. INCLEMENT WEATHER • Weather extremes such as snow, ice or heavy rain may make it impossible to use certain areas for landing zones. An alternate site or airport may be necessary. It is a good idea to have these locations and procedures in place before they are needed.

  11. ROTOR WASH All helicopters produce a significant downward flow of air during landing and takeoff. The larger and heavier the helicopter the greater the velocity of wind produced. A 75 to 100 mph downward flow of air is not uncommon. Helicopter rotor wash has been known to pick up a full sheet of ¾” plywood 30-40 feet into the air.

  12. Rotor Wash Safety Considerations Dumpsters Construction areas Sand and dirt Portable equipment Parking areas Pedestrian traffic Loose debris

  13. Rotor Wash Liability Issues Falls Eye injuries Flying debris Vehicle doors Trunk lids Handicapped Patients

  14. Contraindications to Air Medical Transport: Patient in full arrest Terminally ill patient Active untreated communicable disease that would put the crew at risk. Uncontrollable, combative patient. Stable patient in whom another means of transport would be more appropriate. Patients contaminated by hazardous or radioactive materials

  15. Remember Helicopters Crash Helicopters crash and all on board will probably die! Only consider helicopter transport to save a life or limb. Otherwise it is not worth risking the life of the patient and the crew.

  16. EMERGENCIES • In case there is a helicopter emergency or accident at your facility: • Make the appropriate 911 calls to fire rescue. • Notify the FAA immediately. • Contact the helicopter operator. • Do not approach the helicopter until it has stopped moving. • Report & document all incidents.

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