NCJ Number
139521
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 40 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1992) Pages: 66-69
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Medevac helicopter pilots and crews rely heavily on the ground-based emergency service personnel to select and prepare appropriate and safe landing sites, so ground units should set up the site carefully to both the reduce the dangers and expedite the aircraft landing as well as the removal of the injured persons.
Abstract
Factors to consider in selecting the site include obstructions, terrain, debris, size of the area, and approach and departure paths for the helicopter. Power lines pose a particular risk due to their limited visibility. Crowd control is another critical component of landing zone safety. Livestock and vehicles can also pose hazards. During daylight, the landing zone should be at least 60 feet long and 60 feet wide. At night, the landing zone should be at least 100 feet long and 100 feet wide. The zone should be as level and solid as possible. Bright orange cones and emergency service vehicles can mark the site. The wind direction should be indicated. At night, the use of white light should be kept to a minimum. Flares should not be used, because the rotor wash can easily pick them up, and they post a fire safety hazard for helicopters. The ground personnel should wait for a signal from the aircraft crew before approaching the helicopter. They should also follow several other procedures to assure a safe and effective process. Photographs