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Authored by John W. Desmarais 18-May-1999

Modified by Lt Colonel Fred Blundell

TX-129 Fort Worth Senior Squadron

For Local Training Rev 5.0 02-Jan-2014

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This Training Slide Show is a project undertaken by Lt Colonel Fred Blundell of the TX-129 Fort Worth Senior Squadron, Fort Worth, TX for local use to

assist those CAP Members interested in advancing their skills. The information contained herein is for CAP Member’s personal use and is not intended to replace or be a substitute for any of the CAP National Training Programs. Users should review the presentation’s Revision Number at the

end of each file name to ensure that they have the most current publication.

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Reasons to Transport Survivors via Helicopter

Would the amount of time needed to transport a patient by ground transportation to an appropriate facility pose a threat to the patient's survival and recovery?

Would weather, road conditions, or other factors affecting the use of ground transportation seriously delay the patient's access to advanced life support care?

Does the available rescue have the clinical skills or equipment needed to care for the patient during transport?

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Aggravating Factors

Patients with advanced medical trauma issues may need to be transported via helicopter. The following aggravating factors are indicators– Head injuries or comatose– A systolic blood pressure <90– A respiratory rate <10 or >35– A pulse rate <60 or >120– A prolonged extrication

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– Paralysis of extremities or spinal cord injuries– Associated fatalities– A sprung or crushed pelvis– Severe oral or facial injuries– A need for Advanced Life Support– An inability to maintain a patient airway– Qualified personnel make the decision to use a

helicopter

Aggravating Factors(Continued)

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Information NeededWhen Requesting a

Helicopter

Team Name, organization, and team information

Exact location of the accident, Latitude and Longitude

Accident location in relation to towns or major roads, as well as recent major hazards possibly caused by the accident

Nature of Accident

Number and relative ages of patients

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Types of injuries of patients to be transported

Whether patients are trapped or were involved in a prolonged extrication

Frequency and call signs to communicate with ground crews from the helicopter, along with PL tones if any

Information NeededWhen Requesting a

Helicopter(Continued)

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Landing SiteRequirements

Should measure at least 60 feet square, preferably larger around 100 feet square– Obstructions surrounding the site may necessitate it to

be larger– Remember that even though a helicopter may be able

to land along a vertical plane in most situations, most helicopter pilots will want to have an approach and takeoff area

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Landing SiteRequirements

(Continued)

Consider the type of ground– Don't want an extremely sloped or rocky field– Notify pilot of any obstructions such as tall grass, rocks,

or loose dirt. The pilots point of view causes him not to be able to see them until right on top of them

Consider possible alternative sites if the accident site or first landing site chosen is possibly unfeasible

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Landing SiteRequirements

(Continued)

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Landing SiteRequirements

(Continued)

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Mark the corners with secure items so that problems don't occur in the rotor wash– Many companies make markers specifically for this

option– Smoke isn’t recommended in this situation because

most first responders in an overzealous mode will make the site invisible rather than just an edge

Marking theLanding Site

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Marking theLanding Site

(Continued)

At night, the landing area should be illuminated, but take caution not to blind the pilot on landing and takeoff – Have vehicles aim lights on low beams into the site– The helicopter pilot will most likely contact the ground

crew to also turn these off so that the pilot and crew isn’t blinded on the approach

– All helicopters have some sort of landing light

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Marking theLanding Site

(Continued)

Clear the site of all debris that might get sucked up in the rotor wash – Only put signal markers in the center of the landing

area on request of the helicopter pilot.

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Marking theLanding Site

(Continued)

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Marking theLanding Site

(Continued)

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Approaching theHelicopter

Stay out of the landing site unless accompanied by a member of the aircrew or directed by an aircrew member

Always approach the helicopter from the front of the aircraft because of helicopter blind spots and danger areas

Always approach the helicopter in a crouched position with IVs or long objects carried low or parallel to the ground

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Approaching theHelicopter

(Continued)

When approaching on a slope, approach from downhill, since the rotor will be closer on the uphill side normally, if unsure wait for an escort from the flight crew

Never walk around in the tail rotor area.

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HelicopterApproach Area

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HelicopterApproach Area

(Continued)

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DO NOT SMOKE in the landing area

No vehicles are allowed within the landing site

Transferring patient(s) from the team litter to the helicopter litter is done outside of the landing area

Only the flight crew will open and close the doors or compartments on the helicopter

All unauthorized personnel should stay out of the landing area

GeneralHelicopter Guidelines

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QUESTIONS?

Always Think Safety!