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Helicopter Safety
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| INTRODUCTION
Helicopters are a blessing in many SAR operations; however,
they are also very expensive, dangerous and not to be used
unless absolutely needed during a mission to save a life.
This does not mean just for extracting the survivor during
a rescue but to expedite a SAR mission, i.e., transporting
searchers to an area thus reducing travel time especially
when daylight may be at a premium and, due to weather, subjects
may not survive if left overnight.
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| The following are several important points to be considered
when dealing with any model helicopter: |
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[1] If you are requesting helicopter assistance—at
a minimum, pilots want to know the following:
— Whether or not it will be a long line pickup,
and if so, how long of a line might be required. Otherwise,
is there a suitable landing zone in the area.
— Approximate wind speed and direction of the wind
at the rescue site.
— Air temperature in the summertime (heat effects
thickness of the air and therefore effects lift capacity).
— Obstacles in the area of the landing zone (type,
height, location, etc.)
— Type of terrain in the landing zone (sand, snow,
rocks, trees, swampy, bushy, etc.).
— Slope of the landing zone (much over ten degrees
is cause for concern).
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| [2] As the helicopter lands or takes off, stay out of its
path and be sure to secure all loose items which could be
sucked or blown into the rotors. |
| [3] In spite of the great tendency to watch, look away as
a helicopter lands to avoid being struck in the face and eyes
by debris, unless you have eye protection (goggles). |
| [4] During cold weather be especially aware that the down
wash from a chopper can cause an immediate and severe drop
in temperature bring on hypothermia or frostbite. All personnel
in the area should be dressed for this possibility. |
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| [5] Do not set off smoke bombs during fire seasons; a handful
of dust thrown into the air or cloth streamer held above your
head can help the pilot just as much. |
| [6] Do not smoke within 100 feet of a helicopter and 500
feet of a fuel truck. |
| [7] If you are a SAR passenger be sure to have the SAR
24 hour pack. You may be forced to walk out due to mechanical
failure, crash, or even an overloaded helicopter once you
have extracted your subject. |
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| [8] Never touch a helicopter without the specific permission
of a crew member—they are delicate birds which require
expensive maintenance with very costly parts. |
| [9] At the first sign of trouble on the ground, always HIT
THE DECK—a helicopter that is coming apart throws metal
in every direction. |
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[10] Watch portable radio antennas and tracking sticks
when approaching a bird in motion, they can be pulled out
of your hand or a pack in a split second.
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[11] Keep motor vehicles away from landing zones due to
the possibility of flying debris which could damage windshields
and paint jobs.
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[12] Never try to judge weather conditions
for a pilot—describe the situation and let them make
the decision to attempt the rescue or to abort the attempt.
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| [13] Always stay clear of the helicopter's main and tail
rotors, especially when the aircraft has landed on a slope.
Always obtain eye contact with the pilot when attempting to
approach. Pointing first to yourself then to the bird indicates
you want to approach the craft. DO NOT APPROACH UNTIL YOU
GET THE PILOT'S OK. A good rule of thumb is to approach from
the pilot's 10 O'clock to 2 O'clock position. |
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[14] Remember, the pilot has the final say in any situation
involving the safety of the crew, passengers, aircraft or
any aspect involving the helicopter's operation.
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