Landing Zone Operations

Landing Zone OperationsLanding Zone Operations

Course PurposeCourse Purpose

The purpose of this presentation is to provide you with information The purpose of this presentation is to provide you with information to properly, safely and efficiently select a site for a remote to properly, safely and efficiently select a site for a remote landing zone, perform reconnaissance of that site, properly landing zone, perform reconnaissance of that site, properly identify and secure the site and communicate with the flight identify and secure the site and communicate with the flight

team to provide for a safe landing and takeoff.team to provide for a safe landing and takeoff.

Please utilize this information to educate Please utilize this information to educate personnel in your department.personnel in your department.

This presentation is This presentation is NOTNOT intended to replace formal classroom intended to replace formal classroom training by qualified personnel. It should simply be used as a training by qualified personnel. It should simply be used as a guide to orient new personnel or refresh existing personnel on guide to orient new personnel or refresh existing personnel on

Landing Zone Safety. Local protocols should always be Landing Zone Safety. Local protocols should always be followed. If you have any questions please contact our program followed. If you have any questions please contact our program

at: (856) 325-4880at: (856) 325-4880

About The Aircraft:About The Aircraft:

Sikorsky S-76BSikorsky S-76B

Aircraft is piloted by 2 Aircraft is piloted by 2 State Police pilotsState Police pilots

Crewed by 2 medical Crewed by 2 medical personnelpersonnel

Can hold 2 patientsCan hold 2 patients (conditions permitting)(conditions permitting)

What area does What area does Southstar cover?Southstar cover?

SouthSTAR’s primary SouthSTAR’s primary coverage area is from coverage area is from Interstate 195 south to Cape Interstate 195 south to Cape May point. May point.

Should NorthSTAR, our Should NorthSTAR, our sister ship, require that we sister ship, require that we assist in the northern area of assist in the northern area of the state we will respond the state we will respond there as well. there as well.

This is a duty not to be taken This is a duty not to be taken lightly or handled complacently. lightly or handled complacently.

The dedication and The dedication and professionalism of the ground professionalism of the ground team leads us to be one of the team leads us to be one of the

SAFEST air medical programs in SAFEST air medical programs in THE NATIONTHE NATION. .

YOUYOU are the first link in are the first link in conducting a safe medevac conducting a safe medevac

operation by establishing a operation by establishing a SAFESAFE landing zone.landing zone.

The most critical part of our entire mission are the landing and The most critical part of our entire mission are the landing and take-offs we perform at remote landing zones. take-offs we perform at remote landing zones.

There comes a point in which we rely There comes a point in which we rely HEAVILYHEAVILY on the ground on the ground team ( team ( YOUYOU ) to properly select, establish and secure our landing ) to properly select, establish and secure our landing

zones for the safety and benefit of all involved. zones for the safety and benefit of all involved.

Step 1: PhysiologyStep 1: Physiology Glasgow Coma Scale +/- 12 Glasgow Coma Scale +/- 12 or AVPU = P or Uor AVPU = P or U Systolic BP <90Systolic BP <90 Pulse 60/min or >130/minPulse 60/min or >130/min Respiration ,<10min or >29/minRespiration ,<10min or >29/min

YESYES

To Trauma Center with ALS To Trauma Center with ALS (if Available)(if Available)

Adult Trauma Triage Guidelines Adult Trauma Triage Guidelines

Source: http://www.state.nj.us/health/ems/guideline.shtml

PATIENT CRITERIA

Step 2: AnatomyStep 2: Anatomy Penetrating Injuries Penetrating Injuries

– Gunshot WoundsGunshot Wounds– Stab Wounds Stab Wounds to Head, Neck, Torso, Extremities to Head, Neck, Torso, Extremities

(above the elbow and knee)(above the elbow and knee)

Flail ChestFlail Chest

Fractures - More Than One Fractures - More Than One

Fracture InvolvingFracture InvolvingHumerus and/or FemurHumerus and/or Femur

YESYES


Paralysis or Evidence of a Spinal Paralysis or Evidence of a Spinal Cord Injury Cord Injury

Amputation Above Wrist or AnkleAmputation Above Wrist or Ankle Burns When Combined with Other Burns When Combined with Other

Major Injuries Major Injuries

High Voltage Electrical InjuryHigh Voltage Electrical Injury

Pelvic FracturesPelvic Fractures



Step 3: MECHANISM OF INJURYStep 3: MECHANISM OF INJURY (Required Consult with Medical Command, when Available)(Required Consult with Medical Command, when Available)

Ejection from Motor Vehicle Ejection from Motor Vehicle Extrication > 20 min with an injury Extrication > 20 min with an injury Falls > 20 feet Falls > 20 feet Unrestrained Passenger in Vehicle Roll Over Unrestrained Passenger in Vehicle Roll Over Pedestrian, Motorcyclist or PedalcyclistPedestrian, Motorcyclist or Pedalcyclist

Thrown or Run OverThrown or Run Over

YESYES




Fly or Drive ?Fly or Drive ?

When Making an Informed Decision When Making an Informed Decision Consider the Following:Consider the Following:

Ground travel time to the nearest trauma centerGround travel time to the nearest trauma center (e.g., distance, traffic congestion)(e.g., distance, traffic congestion)

The helicopter's estimated time of arrivalThe helicopter's estimated time of arrival (ETA), the transfer time, and flight time to the trauma center(ETA), the transfer time, and flight time to the trauma center

Whether multiple patients are involvedWhether multiple patients are involved

Source: http://www.state.nj.us/health/ems/fly_drive.shtml


Ground transportGround transport should be used for an un-entrapped should be used for an un-entrapped patient who is within 20 minutes ground travel time from a patient who is within 20 minutes ground travel time from a trauma center. trauma center.

Entrapped patients are an exception to the 20-minute rule, if Entrapped patients are an exception to the 20-minute rule, if the helicopter can reach the scene while the patient is being the helicopter can reach the scene while the patient is being rescued or extricated. rescued or extricated.

The helicopter should generally be called to a scene which The helicopter should generally be called to a scene which

is more than 30 minutes by ground from a trauma center.is more than 30 minutes by ground from a trauma center.


GuidelinesGuidelines


Helicopter use when ground travel time is between 20 and 30 Helicopter use when ground travel time is between 20 and 30 minutes is a “Gray area” minutes is a “Gray area”

You need to consider factors such as the helicopter's estimated You need to consider factors such as the helicopter's estimated time of arrival, in-flight time, extrication time, etc. time of arrival, in-flight time, extrication time, etc.


HH

20 Min.20 Min.

30 Min.30 Min.



Things to Keep in Mind:Things to Keep in Mind:

While a helicopter is fast once in the air, getting to the While a helicopter is fast once in the air, getting to the landing zone and loading the patient can easily add 5 to landing zone and loading the patient can easily add 5 to 10 minutes, or more, to on-scene time. 10 minutes, or more, to on-scene time.

Consider requesting a helicopter for incidents involving Consider requesting a helicopter for incidents involving more than three critical patients. more than three critical patients.

– Additional manpower, communication with medical control, and Additional manpower, communication with medical control, and transport options can be obtained by using the air medical transport options can be obtained by using the air medical helicopter systemhelicopter system. .

Calling for a Medical Helicopter Calling for a Medical Helicopter

in New Jerseyin New Jersey

PLEASE NOTE:PLEASE NOTE: Calling for a specific Medical Helicopter Calling for a specific Medical Helicopter directly by phone is directly by phone is NotNot permissible. permissible.

The State requires that The State requires that allall requests for Medical Helicopter requests for Medical Helicopter response in New Jersey response in New Jersey MUSTMUST initiated through REMCS. initiated through REMCS.

REMCS can be reached by contacting your local dispatch REMCS can be reached by contacting your local dispatch center or by calling: 1-800-544-4356center or by calling: 1-800-544-4356

We are already ON A MISSIONWe are already ON A MISSION

Reasons why SouthSTAR Reasons why SouthSTAR may not be availablemay not be available::

Weather throughout the Weather throughout the Complete FlightComplete Flight is is below SouthSTAR’S minimum flight standardsbelow SouthSTAR’S minimum flight standards

Maintenance RequirementsMaintenance Requirements

Day:Day: 800ft ceiling with 2 mile Visibility 800ft ceiling with 2 mile Visibility

Night:Night: 1000 Foot ceiling with 3 mile visibility 1000 Foot ceiling with 3 mile visibility

Weather is checked throughout the entire flight plan.Weather is checked throughout the entire flight plan.

Never hesitate to call; pilots will make the final fly Never hesitate to call; pilots will make the final fly decision.decision.

Be sure to notify pilots of significant weather conditions Be sure to notify pilots of significant weather conditions at THE LANDING ZONE at THE LANDING ZONE ( i.e.: ice, fog, thunderstorms ). ( i.e.: ice, fog, thunderstorms ).

Weather can change AND deteriorate quickly. Weather can change AND deteriorate quickly.

We are relying on your input to conduct a safe operation.We are relying on your input to conduct a safe operation.

Most all Air Medical Crashes are Most all Air Medical Crashes are WEATHER RELATED!WEATHER RELATED!

OUR Weather LimitationsOUR Weather Limitations

What is required for a What is required for a SAFESAFE Landing Zone?Landing Zone?

Do I have a communications officer?Do I have a communications officer?They should have a familiarity with all areas your team serves. Have excellent They should have a familiarity with all areas your team serves. Have excellent communication skills, a good sense of direction and is completely free from communication skills, a good sense of direction and is completely free from

providing direct care to the patient (s). providing direct care to the patient (s).

What are the high risk / accident areas in the area?What are the high risk / accident areas in the area?Check out possible landing zones in advance close to these areasCheck out possible landing zones in advance close to these areas. . Assess and Assess and make note of their associated problems and risks. Note landmarks to help locate make note of their associated problems and risks. Note landmarks to help locate

the area. Note hazards that need to be relayed to SouthSTAR prior to their arrival.the area. Note hazards that need to be relayed to SouthSTAR prior to their arrival.

Questions to ask yourself:Questions to ask yourself:

A SAFE LANDING ZONE CONSISTS OF:A SAFE LANDING ZONE CONSISTS OF:

Flat, hard surface is preferredFlat, hard surface is preferred

110’ X 110’110’ X 110’- - Approx. 2 lengths of “attack line”

Clear of overhead obstructionsClear of overhead obstructions

Clear approach and departure pathsClear approach and departure paths

Note some important info:Note some important info:

– Helicopters don’t take off and land Helicopters don’t take off and land vertically.vertically.

– We take off and land into the wind We take off and land into the wind when possible.when possible.

– High heat and humid conditions effect High heat and humid conditions effect our aircraft performance. We may our aircraft performance. We may need more area to operate under need more area to operate under these conditionsthese conditions

Marked out withMarked out with 4 FLARES4 FLARES Secure the area of Secure the area of vehiclesvehicles and and

pedestrianspedestrians Area should be free of debrisArea should be free of debris AllAll WHITEWHITE lights off !!lights off !!

– Emergency apparatusEmergency apparatus– Other vehicles (headlights)Other vehicles (headlights)– FlashlightsFlashlights– * Scene lights* * Scene lights* – By turning these lights on, you By turning these lights on, you

are in effect BLINDING the pilots are in effect BLINDING the pilots – No flash cameras !!!No flash cameras !!!– DO not look directly at the DO not look directly at the

helicopter as it is landing unless helicopter as it is landing unless you have eye protection.you have eye protection.

Tasks before Aircraft arrivalTasks before Aircraft arrival Locate an area as described. Be prepared to have a request to change the LZ Locate an area as described. Be prepared to have a request to change the LZ

by SouthSTAR should the pilots request you to do so.by SouthSTAR should the pilots request you to do so.

Utilize available apparatus / scene lighting Utilize available apparatus / scene lighting PRIORPRIOR to aircraft arrival to assist to aircraft arrival to assist in identifying LZ hazards in identifying LZ hazards

Deploy your personnel, with hand lights, to “walk the LZ”. Have them scan Deploy your personnel, with hand lights, to “walk the LZ”. Have them scan overhead the LZ surrounding area as well as the LZ itself for hazards, overhead the LZ surrounding area as well as the LZ itself for hazards, slopes, wires, etc.slopes, wires, etc.

Identify access sites to be secured. Identify access sites to be secured. • Allow no unnecessary vehicles near the LZAllow no unnecessary vehicles near the LZ• Deploy personnel to secure ALL access pointsDeploy personnel to secure ALL access points• Keep bystanders, family etc. well away from the actual LZKeep bystanders, family etc. well away from the actual LZ

Deploy flares as prescribed ( placed in each corner of LZ )Deploy flares as prescribed ( placed in each corner of LZ )

Ensure that your radio is on the proper frequency for contacting SouthSTAREnsure that your radio is on the proper frequency for contacting SouthSTAR

Stand by and await contact from SouthSTAR for an LZ description/briefingStand by and await contact from SouthSTAR for an LZ description/briefing

IMPORTANT !!!IMPORTANT !!!

During night operations,During night operations, DO NOTDO NOT shine any form of light on the LZ or shine any form of light on the LZ or at the aircraft. at the aircraft.

You are You are hurtinghurting our operation, not helping us by destroying our night our operation, not helping us by destroying our night vision. This action can lead to an accident. vision. This action can lead to an accident.

Once the aircraft is on the ground and awaiting the patient, again, Once the aircraft is on the ground and awaiting the patient, again, No No lightslights are to be utilized to illuminate the area while transporting the are to be utilized to illuminate the area while transporting the

patient to the helicopter .patient to the helicopter .

A Thought on A Thought on Wires…Wires…

A Thought on A Thought on Wires…Wires…

Electrical lines pose one of the greatest dangers to Electrical lines pose one of the greatest dangers to the helicopter crew as well as the the ground crew.the helicopter crew as well as the the ground crew.

Failure to notify the pilots of surrounding wires in Failure to notify the pilots of surrounding wires in the immediate area as well as surrounding area the immediate area as well as surrounding area

could result in a catastrophic accident…could result in a catastrophic accident…

NOTE:NOTE: WE CANNOT SEE WIRES WHEN AIRBORNE, WE CANNOT SEE WIRES WHEN AIRBORNE, WE ARE RELYING ON YOU TO ADVISE US OF WE ARE RELYING ON YOU TO ADVISE US OF

THEIR LOCATION.THEIR LOCATION.

From a Pilots view, it is not easy to identify hazards even under From a Pilots view, it is not easy to identify hazards even under day flying conditions. day flying conditions.

Night time is even more difficult. Night time is even more difficult.

We completely Rely on your Assistance.We completely Rely on your Assistance.

SCENESCENE

LZ

LZ

LZ

LZ

LZ

LZ

SCENESCENE

Communicating With the PilotsCommunicating With the Pilots

How to Provide a Landing Zone BriefingHow to Provide a Landing Zone Briefing

What is a Sterile Cockpit ?What is a Sterile Cockpit ? Once the Aircraft begins it’s final approach to the landing zone.Once the Aircraft begins it’s final approach to the landing zone.

ALL RADIO TRANSMISSIONS MUST CEASEALL RADIO TRANSMISSIONS MUST CEASE..

This includes all conversations within the aircraft and This includes all conversations within the aircraft and ALLALL radio radio communications with the landing zone team unless absolutelycommunications with the landing zone team unless absolutely URGENTURGENT..

ANYANY radio transmission to SouthSTAR while on final approach to radio transmission to SouthSTAR while on final approach to the LZ alerts the pilots to the possible need for evasive actions the LZ alerts the pilots to the possible need for evasive actions and the possibility to abort the approach to land.and the possibility to abort the approach to land.

Any urgent problems threatening the safety of the Aircraft Any urgent problems threatening the safety of the Aircraft landing are signaled by:landing are signaled by:

““ABORT, ABORT, ABORT” ABORT, ABORT, ABORT” (On The Appropriate Radio Frequency Being Utilized)(On The Appropriate Radio Frequency Being Utilized)

CommunicationsCommunications Usually done on South Jersey Net frequency Usually done on South Jersey Net frequency

Each radio channel used possesses its own unique problems. Each radio channel used possesses its own unique problems. Please know your radio frequency ahead of time.Please know your radio frequency ahead of time.

Note:Note: We limit radio transmissions when starting our approach into the We limit radio transmissions when starting our approach into the landing zone. landing zone.

ONLYONLY necessary communications should be made regarding potential necessary communications should be made regarding potential hazards. NO patient updates etc.hazards. NO patient updates etc.

We ask that you employ radio discipline so that we may maintain aWe ask that you employ radio discipline so that we may maintain a SSterile Cockpit Environmentterile Cockpit Environment

Approximately 2 to 3 minutes out SouthSTAR will ask for a landing zone Approximately 2 to 3 minutes out SouthSTAR will ask for a landing zone briefing via the radio frequency utilized by your department.briefing via the radio frequency utilized by your department.

Communications Communications (Continued)(Continued)

1.1. LocationLocation

• In reference to the scene as well In reference to the scene as well as area landmarks. as area landmarks.

• Simply stating “You have been Simply stating “You have been here before” is unacceptablehere before” is unacceptable..

2.2. Describe area to be landing in: Describe area to be landing in: • Grass FieldGrass Field• Parking Lot Parking Lot • RoadwayRoadway

3. Surface type: 3. Surface type: • AsphaltAsphalt• Grass or Grass or • DirtDirt

Please advise the pilots if the surface is Please advise the pilots if the surface is wet, dusty, or covered in snowwet, dusty, or covered in snow

Provide information on the landing zone such as:Provide information on the landing zone such as:

4. The approximate size of the landing 4. The approximate size of the landing zone:zone:

110’ x 110” 110’ x 110” MINIMUMMINIMUM

5.5. HAZARDS !!!HAZARDS !!! • Wires Wires • TowersTowers• Light standardsLight standards• Trees, etcTrees, etc..

Make note of their location North, Make note of their location North, South, East and West of the LZSouth, East and West of the LZ. .

Relay this very important information Relay this very important information

to SouthSTAR to SouthSTAR

Advise how the LZ is marked out:Advise how the LZ is marked out:

“ “ Your LZ is marked out by 4 Your LZ is marked out by 4 FLARES” FLARES”

SouthSTAR:SouthSTAR: “ ABC LZ from SouthSTAR, we are approximately 2 minutes “ ABC LZ from SouthSTAR, we are approximately 2 minutes out, can you provide us with a description of the LZ?”out, can you provide us with a description of the LZ?”

Landing ZoneLanding Zone:: “SouthSTAR your landing zone is set up to the west of the “SouthSTAR your landing zone is set up to the west of the accident scene. You will be landing in a plowed cornfield in excess of 100 accident scene. You will be landing in a plowed cornfield in excess of 100 x 100. Your obstructions are, telephone poles with wires approx. 50 feet x 100. Your obstructions are, telephone poles with wires approx. 50 feet high to the north along the roadway. You have a tree line to the east and high to the north along the roadway. You have a tree line to the east and a fence line to the south. There are no overhead wires or obstructions. a fence line to the south. There are no overhead wires or obstructions. You do have an unlit cell phone tower to the west outside the LZ area. You do have an unlit cell phone tower to the west outside the LZ area. The LZ is marked out with 4 flares. The area is secure awaiting your The LZ is marked out with 4 flares. The area is secure awaiting your arrival, patient is on location at this time.”arrival, patient is on location at this time.”

SouthSTARSouthSTAR:: “SouthSTAR received, please advise when you have a visual “SouthSTAR received, please advise when you have a visual on us”. on us”.

NOTE:NOTE: Please do not reply “ You have been here before” when asked to describe Please do not reply “ You have been here before” when asked to describe

the LZ. the LZ. This may not be the case for the pilot (s) on duty that given day.This may not be the case for the pilot (s) on duty that given day.

Radio CommunicationRadio Communication ExampleExample

SOMETIMES WE MAY NEED HELP FINDING THE SOMETIMES WE MAY NEED HELP FINDING THE ACTUAL LANDING ZONE…ACTUAL LANDING ZONE…

Should you hear us or see us and there has been no radio communication Should you hear us or see us and there has been no radio communication established, reach out for us on the radio frequency being utilized.established, reach out for us on the radio frequency being utilized.

PLEASE NOTE:PLEASE NOTE: Our dispatch coordinates only place us within an approximate 1 mile Our dispatch coordinates only place us within an approximate 1 mile

radius on the scene when correct. radius on the scene when correct.

We look for emergency lights, flares and the actual scene when we are We look for emergency lights, flares and the actual scene when we are close. close.

An aid to our navigation would be you advising us that we are in your An aid to our navigation would be you advising us that we are in your sight. sight.

EXAMPLEEXAMPLE““SouthSTAR we have a visual on you at SouthSTAR we have a visual on you at

this time, we’re off to your 2 o’clock position” this time, we’re off to your 2 o’clock position” (make note that when using the clock method the (make note that when using the clock method the

pilot is facing 12 o’clock).pilot is facing 12 o’clock).

Approach and LandingApproach and Landing

Once over the LZ we will perform a “High Recon” Once over the LZ we will perform a “High Recon” (circling overhead) to identify the LZ and check its (circling overhead) to identify the LZ and check its suitability.suitability.

We will then perform a “Low Recon” to identify any We will then perform a “Low Recon” to identify any unreported problems or obstructions and determine unreported problems or obstructions and determine the safest approach path.the safest approach path.

Once deemed suitable and safe we will begin our final Once deemed suitable and safe we will begin our final approach. This initiates theapproach. This initiates the “STERILE COCKPIT”“STERILE COCKPIT” procedure.procedure.

Instances that May Require an Instances that May Require an ABORT TO LAND:ABORT TO LAND:

A person or vehicle entering the landing zone area rendering it A person or vehicle entering the landing zone area rendering it unsafe.unsafe.

SouthSTAR heading towards wires or obstacles known to the SouthSTAR heading towards wires or obstacles known to the ground crew.ground crew. DO NOT ASSUME WE SEE WHAT YOU SEE !!!DO NOT ASSUME WE SEE WHAT YOU SEE !!!

Mechanical Issues .Mechanical Issues .

**** ANY INSTANCE THAT YOU AS THE GROUND CREW DEEMS AS **** ANY INSTANCE THAT YOU AS THE GROUND CREW DEEMS AS UNSAFE !!! YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ABORT OUR LANDING.UNSAFE !!! YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ABORT OUR LANDING.

Flight Team InteractionFlight Team Interaction

Once safely on the ground the Aircraft will Once safely on the ground the Aircraft will SHUT DOWN (approximately 1 minute).SHUT DOWN (approximately 1 minute).

The Medical Flight Team will exit the The Medical Flight Team will exit the Aircraft and come to you. Aircraft and come to you.

Please Please DO NOTDO NOT APPROACH THE APPROACH THE AIRCRAFT !AIRCRAFT !

Operating around the aircraft:Operating around the aircraft: NEVERNEVER approach The Aircraft While the Blades are Spinning.approach The Aircraft While the Blades are Spinning.

The safest approach is 90 degrees from the side doors.The safest approach is 90 degrees from the side doors.

Begin approach outside of the span of the rotors. Rotors extend 24 Begin approach outside of the span of the rotors. Rotors extend 24 feet from top of helicopter.feet from top of helicopter.

NEVERNEVER approach the aircraft from the rear. approach the aircraft from the rear.

NEVERNEVER approach the Aircraft on your own, approach the Aircraft on your own, SSignal us first and we’ll come to youignal us first and we’ll come to you..

There have been instances of the “rotor brake” disengaging and the There have been instances of the “rotor brake” disengaging and the blades spinning.blades spinning. If you hear the engines running and the blades are not spinning; If you hear the engines running and the blades are not spinning;

assume that they could start spinning at any time !assume that they could start spinning at any time !STAY OUT OF THE DANGER ZONE !STAY OUT OF THE DANGER ZONE !

If wearing a hard hat, beware of rotor bladesIf wearing a hard hat, beware of rotor blades..

DANGER !!!DANGER !!! Front of aircraft, main

rotor danger area !!

DANGER!!!DANGER!!! Rear of aircraft, tail Rear of aircraft, tail rotor danger area !!rotor danger area !!

How do you approach the aircraft ?? Stay away from the front and rear of aircraft. Approach from the side and walk directly to the rear cabin door. Exit the area in the same manner you approached.

SouthSTAR’S blade has the potential to go as low as 4’6” in SouthSTAR’S blade has the potential to go as low as 4’6” in the front of the aircraft. the front of the aircraft.

PLEASE STAY CLEAR OF THE FRONT !!!PLEASE STAY CLEAR OF THE FRONT !!!

NEVER WALK NEVER WALK AROUND THE BACKAROUND THE BACK !!

Tail Rotor is 6’5” from ground Tail Rotor is 6’5” from ground on a on a level level surfacesurface

In case of a FireIn case of a Fire:: Southstar has on - board fire protectionSouthstar has on - board fire protection

Do not approach the aircraft unless escorted by a crew Do not approach the aircraft unless escorted by a crew member.member.

Beware of the bladesBeware of the bladesThey may still be spinning !!They may still be spinning !!

If Fire Is Seen If Fire Is Seen (not just smoke);(not just smoke); SignalSignal Pilot Pilot

They will escort you to the proper area of the ship to They will escort you to the proper area of the ship to fight the fire.fight the fire.

In the event of a fire, and the crew is unable to In the event of a fire, and the crew is unable to extinguish it, make note of the areas to fight extinguish it, make note of the areas to fight the fire:the fire:

Engine compartment access:Engine compartment access:One under each engine on each side of aircraft One under each engine on each side of aircraft

provides access to that particular engine provides access to that particular engine compartment.compartment.

Nose of aircraft: Electronics & Batteries Nose of aircraft: Electronics & Batteries Remove safety plate, fight fire.Remove safety plate, fight fire.

Our aircrafts Fuel Bladder LocationOur aircrafts Fuel Bladder Location

May contain up to 280 gallons of jet fuelMay contain up to 280 gallons of jet fuel

If You Want To HelpIf You Want To Help

Copy patient information Copy patient information (if time permits).(if time permits).

Ensure Patient is Properly Secured To Long Board.Ensure Patient is Properly Secured To Long Board.

Ensure patient is properly covered. Ensure patient is properly covered.

Transfer patient to the aircraft Transfer patient to the aircraft withwith flight crew. flight crew. Transfer may require 2 to 4 members. Transfer may require 2 to 4 members. -- OneOne member at each point of the stretcher facing forward member at each point of the stretcher facing forward

- NO BACK PEDALING ! - NO BACK PEDALING ! - Take your time, use controlled urgency- Take your time, use controlled urgency

Load patient with the flight crew present. Load patient with the flight crew present.

Exit the area Exit the area promptlypromptly . .

Patient LoadingPatient Loading

Use caution approaching the aircraft.Use caution approaching the aircraft.– Avoid rotor bladesAvoid rotor blades

Flight crew will advise whether the Flight crew will advise whether the patient is to be loaded head or feet first.patient is to be loaded head or feet first.

Get stretcher close to pedestal.Get stretcher close to pedestal. All stretcher straps off. All stretcher straps off. Long board straps remain on.Long board straps remain on.

Color coding the straps recommended for speed and easeColor coding the straps recommended for speed and ease

One Member at each side of One Member at each side of headhead

One Member at each side of One Member at each side of feetfeet

One Member at each side One Member at each side onlyonly if neededif needed

Watch IV lines!Watch IV lines! Lift together Lift together Make sure patient does not Make sure patient does not

slide off of the pedestal slide off of the pedestal

Patient Loading Patient Loading (continued)(continued)

Exiting the AreaExiting the Area Please take your O2 bottles with you.Please take your O2 bottles with you. Walk out of rotor span using caution to avoid Walk out of rotor span using caution to avoid

rotors.rotors. Gather in place out of the immediate area but Gather in place out of the immediate area but

remaining in view of pilot.remaining in view of pilot. We’ll secure doors and secure the patient.We’ll secure doors and secure the patient. Please make sure no equipment is left behind. Please make sure no equipment is left behind.

If you notice equipment immediately outside If you notice equipment immediately outside

the aircraft after the blades start spinning – Do the aircraft after the blades start spinning – Do Not return for it. Not return for it.

Signal the pilot and a flight crew member will retrieve it.Signal the pilot and a flight crew member will retrieve it.

DemobilizationDemobilization

Extinguish flareExtinguish flare

Debrief / Critique with membersDebrief / Critique with members

Discuss what worked, what Discuss what worked, what could have gone better and any could have gone better and any suggestions you might have for suggestions you might have for future improvementfuture improvement

Once the aircraft has safely departed, the Once the aircraft has safely departed, the LZ may be broken down.LZ may be broken down.

Any questions regarding SouthSTAR operations Any questions regarding SouthSTAR operations please call the on-duty flight crew at:please call the on-duty flight crew at:

856-325-4880856-325-4880

The SouthSTAR Hangar The SouthSTAR Hangar Virtua Health, Voorhees, N.J. 08043 Virtua Health, Voorhees, N.J. 08043

Additional informationAdditional information IssuesIssues Assisting with critiqueAssisting with critique Training opportunities with your organizationTraining opportunities with your organization Community outreach programsCommunity outreach programs

THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US SAFE !THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US SAFE !

You literally hold our lives in your hands during You literally hold our lives in your hands during the most critical phases of a missionthe most critical phases of a mission

IF ANY ONE PART FAILS…IF ANY ONE PART FAILS… WE ALL FAILWE ALL FAIL

When any one Medical Helicopter When any one Medical Helicopter launches on a mission, we are all part launches on a mission, we are all part

of a large, integrated team…of a large, integrated team…

Landing Zone Operations

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