NREMT EMT 5: Operations - Helicopter Safety, Landing Zone, LZ Setup and Approach

What This Is

Helicopter safety, specifically landing zone (LZ) set-up and approach, is crucial when emergency medical services (EMS) need to transport patients by air. Imagine you're on a hike and someone gets seriously injured – a helicopter might be the fastest way to get them to a hospital. A safe LZ is like setting up a landing pad for a helicopter, ensuring the aircraft can touch down and take off safely.

Key Steps / Core Facts

• Landing Zone (LZ) Location: Choose a flat area, away from obstacles (trees, power lines), and ideally near a road or trailhead. (Look for a "safe" spot)
• Clearance: Ensure a 100-foot radius around the LZ is clear of people, animals, and objects. (Think of a big circle)
• Marking the LZ: Use brightly colored tape or flags to mark the LZ boundaries. (Make it visible)
• Approach Path: Designate a clear path for the helicopter to approach and take off. (Draw a straight line)
• Wind Direction: Check the wind direction and avoid landing with the wind at your back. (Feel the breeze)
• Obstacles: Be aware of potential obstacles like power lines, trees, or other aircraft. (Look up and around)
• Communication: Establish communication with the helicopter crew and follow their instructions. (Talk to the pilot)
• Patient Safety: Ensure the patient is secure and protected during the LZ set-up and approach. (Keep them safe)
• Weather Conditions: Monitor weather conditions and be prepared for changing conditions. (Check the forecast)
• LZ Size: The LZ should be at least 50 feet by 50 feet in size. (Measure it out)
• LZ Shape: The LZ should be a rectangle or square shape. (Draw a square)
• LZ Angle: The LZ should be oriented with the approach path at a 45-degree angle. (Measure the angle)
• Red Flags: Be aware of red flags like strong winds, thunderstorms, or low visibility. (Watch for warning signs)

What Laypeople Can Do

• If you see a helicopter approaching, stay calm and follow the crew's instructions.
• Keep a safe distance from the LZ and avoid approaching the helicopter.
• If you're with someone who needs medical attention, stay with them and follow the crew's instructions.
• Don't try to move the patient or interfere with the LZ set-up.
• Stay away from the LZ until the helicopter has taken off safely.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Not checking the wind direction before landing.
• Fix: Always check the wind direction before landing to ensure a safe approach.
• Why: A strong wind can make it difficult for the helicopter to land safely.
• Mistake: Not clearing the LZ of obstacles.
• Fix: Always clear the LZ of obstacles before landing to ensure a safe approach.
• Why: Obstacles can damage the helicopter or injure people on the ground.
• Mistake: Not following the crew's instructions.
• Fix: Always follow the crew's instructions to ensure a safe LZ set-up and approach.
• Why: The crew has the training and expertise to ensure a safe landing.

Quick Practice Scenarios

• You're on a hike and someone gets seriously injured. A helicopter is approaching to transport them to a hospital. What should you do first?

• Stay calm and follow the crew's instructions.

• You're at a LZ and the helicopter is approaching. You notice a strong wind blowing. What should you do first?

• Check with the crew to see if they need to adjust the LZ set-up due to the wind.

• You're with someone who needs medical attention and a helicopter is approaching. What should you do first?

• Stay with the person and follow the crew's instructions.

Last-Minute Exam Cram

• Always check the wind direction before landing a helicopter.
• A safe LZ should be at least 50 feet by 50 feet in size.
• The LZ should be oriented with the approach path at a 45-degree angle.
• Always clear the LZ of obstacles before landing.
• The crew has the training and expertise to ensure a safe landing.
• A strong wind can make it difficult for the helicopter to land safely.
• Obstacles can damage the helicopter or injure people on the ground.
• Always follow the crew's instructions to ensure a safe LZ set-up and approach.
• The LZ should be marked with brightly colored tape or flags.
• A helicopter can take off and land in a very short distance (about 100 feet).
• The LZ should be located away from obstacles like trees and power lines.
• Always monitor weather conditions and be prepared for changing conditions.
• A safe LZ should be a rectangle or square shape.
• The LZ should be designed with a clear approach path for the helicopter.
• Always ensure the patient is secure and protected during the LZ set-up and approach.