Bid: $RACESBUL.341
Subject: RB341 Resend: Helicopter Use


From: W6WWW@KD6XZ.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NOAM
To  : RACES@ALLUS

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INFO:    ALL COMMUNICATIONS VOLUNTEERS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE
INFO:    ALL AMATEURS U.S     (@USA: INFORMATION), CAP, MARS.
FROM:    CA GOVERNORS OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
    (W6SIG@WA6NWE.CA)  PH: 916-262-1600, 2800 Meadowview Rd.,
    Sacramento, CA  95832. Landline BBS, 916-262-1657 (Open
    to all). Internet crm@oes.ca.gov or seh@oes.ca.gov

Bulletin 341  OPS: HELICOPTER USE
Release Date: August 29, l994

    (Extracted from "Landing Site Tips for Lifeflight" in TAC-ONE,
official publication of the San Diego County RACES.)

Conditions and circumstances for Lifeflight to be called is determined by
the Public Safety organizations of the county. For landing site selection a
helicopter requires a minimum area 60 by 60 feet, free of wires and
obstructions directly overhead and not more than an eight degree slope.
Avoid dusty areas. Hosing down an area helps. Site should be marked; usual
markings are an emergency vehicle with flashing lights, smoke bomb, flares
or car headlights criss-crossing each other at right angles.

    For communications with the helicopter enroute, only one person
should be the ground contact. It is best for this person to be free of
patient care and at the landing site, monitoring the specified frequency
open tone. On initial contact, the pilot will give the ETA. The ground
contact must let the pilot know when sight has been made of the helicopter
using clock positions. It is usually best for someone to notify traffic
officers that traffic will need to be stopped just prior to landing. The
contact person must describe the landing site to the pilot using major
landmarks, such as type of site (street, intersection, parking lot, field,
etc.) direction from scene, any obstructions, wind conditions and
identifying features (smoke, flares, lights, etc.). Just before the
helicopter begins its approach, ensure that the landing site is clear of
non-essential personnel, vehicles and loose objects.

    When the helicopter is on its approach, stand in the center of the
landing site waving a flashlight or flare until the pilot verifies that you
are seen, then notify the pilot when the area is clear. Warn ground
personnel to protect their eyes and patients from debris caused by rotor
wash. Do NOT allow use of artificial lights while a helicopter is landing,
as they will blind the pilot. Always maintain radio contact with the pilot
and advise of problems or changes. Keep in mind that the rotor blades will
continue to turn 1 to 3 minutes after landing. While medical crews may exit
while the rotor is slowing down, don't approach or allow anyone else to
approach while the blades are turning without the pilot's permission, then
only from the front of the chopper. Maintain control of landing site until
blades have completely stopped turning.

    Just before the helicopter departs, clear the landing area of ALL
personnel. Once it is clear, inform the pilot. Keep the area clear until
the helicopter is gone. Remember things don't always go as planned. Keep in
constant radio contact with the pilot!
EOM.