Shannon AirMed1

Landing Zone Information

When to call AirMed1• Helicopter use should be

considered in the following situations

Trauma Score <12 Glasgow Coma Scale Score <10 Penetrating trauma to the abdomen, pelvis, chest, neck, or head Spinal cord or spinal column injury producing paralysis of any extremity Partial or total amputation of an

extremity Two or more long bone fractures

or a major electrical or chemical burn Fatalities of other occupants

involved in accident

Patient involved in a serious traumatic event who are less than 12 or more than 55 years of age

Patients with near-drowning injuries,with or without existing

hypothermiaAdult patient with any of the following

vital sign abnormalities Systolic blood pressure <

90mmHg Respiratory rate < 10 or >35 per

min Heart rate < 60 or >120 per min Unresponsive to verbal stimuli

When to call AirMed1Mechanism of injury

Vehicle rollover with unrestrained

passengers

Vehicle striking pedestrian at > 10

miles per hour

Motor vehicle accident with

structural intrusion into patient’s

space in vehicle

Motor vehicle accident with front

bumper displacement to rear of

more than 30 inches

Motor vehicle accident with front

axle displaced to the rear

Multiple victims

Motorcycle victim ejected at > 20

Miles per hour

Falls from > 15 feet

Difficult access situation

Wilderness rescue

Ambulance access or egress

impeded by road conditions or

traffic

Time and distance factors

Patient extrication time > 20

minutes

Transport time to trauma center

> 15 minutes by ground

Transport time to local hospital by

ground is greater than transport

time to trauma center by

helicopter

How to call AirMed1

• Requests for transport can be placed via our 24 hour toll free number

1-800-277-HELI

1-800-277-4354

The communications center will ask the nature of the emergency, your location and patient information. Locations can be given by street address or GPS coordinates, although it is helpful to have both.

Determining a suitable landing zone

• The first consideration for a suitable L.Z. is size. There should be a minimum area of 60 x 60 feet during the day and 100 x 100 feet at night to ensure adequate clearance.

Roadways generally make

excellent landing zones.

Daytime 60’ x 60’

Night 100’ x 100’

60’

60’

100’

100’

Advise the flight crew of any known obstacles, especially wires, within 500 feet.

Wires are very difficult to see from the air.

The L.Z. should be relatively level. Maximum ground slope: 8 degrees

Cell phone and communications towers can also pose a hazard

Towers are especially hazardous at night. The problem is compounded if marker lights are out of service

Notify the flight crew of any known obstacles around the L.Z. using compass directions, e.g. “400 foot tower north of the landing zone, approximately 300 yards”

Also note wind direction and approximate speed

Even with GPS it can sometimes be difficult to spot the location of ground personnel. If you see or hear the aircraft you can give further information of your position in relation to the aircraft by the positions of the clock, e.g. “the intersection at your 3 o’clock”

12

9 3

6

Or by the helicopter’s location in relation to the scene by compass directions, e.g. “you’re just west of our position”

As much as possible the area should be clear of debris and loose objects.

Ground personnel should be aware that loose objects can be blown around creating hazards to both the helicopter and ground crews. Hearing and eye protection are recommended

Hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete are preferred landing areas. Dusty areas can reduce visibility making it difficult or

impossible to land the helicopter.

Landing zone security

Ground personnel should set up a perimeter before the helicopter arrives. All personnel and bystanders must remain well clear of the landing zone until after the helicopter has departed.

Never approach the helicopter from the rear

Approach from

the front, and

only after you

are directed

by the flight crew

Never approach the helicopter from the rear

Do not approach the helicopter until the blades have come to a stop

Turning on overhead lights will assist the flight crew in finding the scene. Code lights can be seen from miles away at night.

Use caution with headlights and spotlights.

Do Not allow anyone to shine lights at the helicopter as it is landing or departing.

Bright lights can temporarily blind the pilot.

Dispatch early – AirMed1 can always turn around once en route

Plan for an alternate L.Z. – If weather prohibits landing at the scene we may be able to meet you elsewhere

AirMed1 is dedicated to providing air medical service in the safest most expedient means possible. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact us.

Additional considerations