Helipad Safety Presented by Flight For Life Colorado

Objectives To provide initial and recurrent helipad safety training for hospital staff. To familiarize all staff with helicopter operations on the helipad. To review helipad safety systems. To insure that patient loading and off-loading are performed safely and efficiently.

Who should receive helipad safety training? All hospital staff with a responsibility to respond to the helipad: Patient care staff Hospital security officers Plant operations/maintenance staff All staff should receive initial and annual refresher training. Track training on rosters.

Basics of helipad safety Remain alert at all times. Restrict access to those with current helipad safety training. Be aware of any changes in helipad surroundings. Wait for signal from flight crew to approach the aircraft. Always remain in view of the crew.

Daily helipad inspection Clear or secure all loose objects. Remove snow / ice Use only non-corrosive ice melter. Check all navigational aids: Windsock, beacon, perimeter and flood lights. Inspect surrounding area for new hazards: Cranes, new construction, birds, etc. Check fire suppression systems and escapes.

Before the aircraft arrives Insure helipad is clear: Rocks, trash, carts, cords. Debris can injure staff or damage aircraft. Keep all staff in protected area: Inside building or behind structures. Rotor wash can be hazardous. Secure all loose clothing, caps, scarves, etc. Implement universal precautions, as appropriate. On ground level helipads, restrict pedestrian and/or vehicle traffic.

Aircraft arrival At night, keep flood lights off until aircraft has landed. Remain in protected location until helicopter rotor blades have stopped. Watch for signal from the flight crew to approach. Always walk while on the helipad. Use caution when surface is slippery. Allow flight crew to open and close doors. Follow flight crew’s instructions during off- loading.

“Hot” off-loading Comm Center will advise you if Flight For Life has requested a hot offload (with rotor blades turning). Secure all loose clothing, caps, scarves, stethoscopes. Use eye and ear protection. Remain in protected area until signaled to approach by flight crew. Allow flight crew to operate all doors.

“Hot” off-loading - cont’d. Approach from within view of pilot. Keep head low when walking under rotor blades, especially when windy. Keep hands at shoulder level. Avoid lifting anything into rotor blades. Never go behind cabin area or rear of skids! Extreme danger from spinning tail rotor.

Patient off-loading Allow flight crew to operate stretcher system. Position cart in proper position, setting brake. Wait for signal from flight crew to remove stretcher. Watch for tension on IV lines, oxygen tubing, monitoring cables. Assist flight crew with patient care, as needed.

Additional points Be familiar with your helipad systems: Fire suppression and escape. Communications. Lighting. Request specific training with helicopter services that frequent your facility.

Flight For Life Colorado Eurocopter AS-350 B3 “A-Star” Single patient, loaded into left side of cabin. Shut down requires approximately sec. Tail rotor on right side of tail boom.