Air Rescue Operations  Overview of Program  This program is designed to familiarize all personnel with basic operations, layout and safety concerns of Air Rescue.  The intent of the power point is to familiarize you with the aircraft. We do not expect you to know all the components without hands on training.  Please review all modules and if more training or information is needed, please feel free to contact Air Rescue Operations.

Modules Module 1- Orientation to helicopter operations and aircraft familiarization. Module 2- Landing zone information and safety concerns of the aircraft..

Agusta-A119 Koala  Pratt & Whitney PT6B-37a 1002 SHP VNE 152 kts VNE 152 kts  Fuel Capacity 160 USG (Jet A)  Rotor Length Approx.43ft with lowest Ht. 5ft  Weather Minimums (local = 25 nautical ml)  Daytime local 800/2mi cross country 800/3mi Alt.  Nighttime local 1000/3mi cross country 1000/5mi Alt.

Module 1- Orientation to Helicopter Operations When to access Air Rescue  Air Rescue should be dispatched early on in any incident that will require the use of air transport.  Air Rescue is indicated for the transport of patients meeting trauma alert criteria, IFT and critical medical patient’s more than 20 minutes from appropriate facility.

Module 1- Orientation to Helicopter Operations  Air Rescue may be utilized by personnel for the transport of medical patients to local area hospitals if ground transport time will hinder the patient’s outcome.  Air Rescue may also be utilized to access patients in remote locations.

Module 1- Orientation to Helicopter Operations  Once it has been determined that there is a need for air transport, Air Rescue should be launched. It may be necessary to withhold landing or launching due to scene circumstances. (i.e. prolonged extrication.)  The Incident Commander will advise Air Rescue on a landing zone location and will ensure its security by ground personnel (this information will be covered in Module 2).

Module 1- Orientation to Helicopter Operations  After the launching of Air Rescue, the ground crews responsibilities are to have the patient packaged and ready for transport as soon as possible.  Ground crews should also have all vital patient information prepared to turn over to the flight crew, if possible. More of this information will be covered in Module 3.

Module 1- Orientation to Helicopter Operations This is the patient compartment of the aircraft. The left side of the ship is the primary loading side of the ship.

Module 2- Landing Zone Information and Safety Concerns Landing Zone Information  Engine, Battalion, and FTO apparatus are equipped with a book of locations for landing zones. If needed, GPS coordinates can be given by the Battalion Chief or FTO. Landing zones may be selected by the Incident Commander or the helicopter pilots themselves as needed.  All fire department suppression apparatus, FTO vehicles, and BC vehicles are equipped with landing zone lights for use. Please familiarize yourself with the lights and their locations. These lights shall be used unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Safety cones are NEVER to be used in place of LZ Lights.

Module 2- Landing zone Information and Safety Concerns  All landing zones should be 100 x 100 ft during the day and 200 x 200 at night.  All hazards of the landing zone such as power lines, fences, or light posts should be relayed to Air Rescue.  All landing zones should be secured from the public. Non essential personnel must be kept back at least 200 feet from the aircraft.

Module 2- Landing zone Information and Safety Concerns Safety Concerns  At night, make sure all headlights are turned off with overhead lighting on to increase the visibility of the Landing Zone.  Ground crews shall wear bunker coat, helmet, eye, and ear protection when acting as a tail guard or approaching the aircraft.  SLCFD will not use a marshaler.

Module 2- Landing zone Information and Safety Concerns Persons that are assigned to LZ safety will be located at the front of the landing zone, (tail guard) outside the rotor disk facing the aircraft. This individual, as well as all personnel on the scene, should be aware of any civilians or any type of debris entering the landing zone that could cause harm. NEVER stand behind the aircraft. Persons that are assigned to LZ safety will be located at the front of the landing zone, (tail guard) outside the rotor disk facing the aircraft. This individual, as well as all personnel on the scene, should be aware of any civilians or any type of debris entering the landing zone that could cause harm. NEVER stand behind the aircraft.

Module 2- Landing zone Information and Safety Concerns  When moving the patient from the scene to the helicopter, a total of four personnel, including the flight crew, should be utilized to safely handle the stretcher and patient.  Please assure that there are no loose linens or sheets on the stretcher.

Module 2- Landing zone Information and Safety Concerns  Approach the aircraft ONLY when signaled or accompanied by a flight crew member.  Approach to the helicopter should be at a 45- degree angle to the nose or a 90-degree angle to the patient compartment doors unless otherwise directed by the pilot and flight crew.  If at any point the pilot signals for personnel to stop, personnel should stop immediately and await further instructions from the pilot or command.

Module 2- Landing zone Information and Safety Concerns  After the patient has been safely loaded onto the helicopter, the crews should then proceed back out of the landing zone area in the same direction that they came in from.  Take care to secure the stretcher during the loading process.  The landing zone should remain secured for an additional five minutes after the helicopter has left in case of any emergencies that Air Rescue may have.

Finding an Acceptable Landing Zone.

Alt. 1000FT Picking the right Landing Zone

Thank You. Any Questions? Thank You. Any Questions? St. Lucie County Air Rescue