Helicopter Safety 2015Agusta

109

Nevada Base LocationsMercy Air 7 – HendersonMercy Air 11 - MesquiteMercy Air 21 - Pahrump

A109 Exterior

A109 Interior – 2 Designs

Be Aware!

Do not Sit or Stand on wheel supports.(Has an edging that

breaks off)

Navigation Antenna

(Not a handle!)

Be Aware!

The bottom of the helicopter has many connected pieces. These are antennas, lights, etc.

Stay Clear of the Tail Rotor!

Scene Request◦ Requesting agency◦ GPS◦ LZ/scene◦ Thomas Guide◦ Intersection◦ City◦ Type of call◦ Patient weight ◦ Number of patients◦ Additional pertinent

info (aircraft, extrication)

◦ Ground contact◦ Radio frequency

Air to Ground Communications

Common frequency to both providers – Clark County Mercy Air Channel or current Tac Channel

Start to monitor frequency early in call

Describing LZ to Flight Crew

LOCATION Clock OrientationSIZE OBSTRUCTIONSSURFACE WIND

Over Scene

Confirm scene secure and ground providers ready

If not ready, ADVISE the aircraft

Sterile Cockpit

During aircraft approach and landing:

Maintain radio contact

Avoid talking- ONLY if

necessary or safety related

What To Expect From Flight Crew On Scene

Pilot will remain in aircraft while hot Medical crew will exit and approach ground

providers/patient

What We Expect On Scene

Do not approach aircraft until accompanied by crew

Maintain secure area; no bystanders

Clear debris

On Scene Communication

Initial patient contact and patient report

Quick assessmentEmergent advanced

procedures, if needed

DestinationObtain copy of PCRLoading instructions

Considerations for Choosing an LZ

As close as possible to scene

Access to patient and aircraft

Rotor wash/debris

Bystanders/crowd control

Resources for road closures

SOP EM-25

Night Operations

At night, walk the LZ while lowering and raising light to check for obstructions

Red code lights overhead

Night Vision

White head lights towards center of LZ or at hazards (be ready to turn off as landing for pilot orientation, if requested)

Avoid bright white lights

For pilot night vision, do not shine lights directly on aircraft

LZ Requirements

Minimum 100 feet x 100 feet

Land facing into the windLand downwind from

sceneLevel as possible surface

◦< 10% grade if rising slope

Free of overhead obstructions & ground-level hazards

Preparing LZ

Clear loose debris

Secure loose items

Hats and helmets strapped or not worn

Hearing and eye protection

Securing LZ

Maintain control, security and communications of LZ until departure / aircraft is out of view

LZ Safety

Ground providers and bystanders secure in vehicles with doors shut and windows up

Assign an individual as “safety person” or IC

Marking the LZFire Apparatus -

will depend on number of vehicles available

Park P.D. or Fire vehicles under or near obstructions

Alternative options◦LZ kits/green

glow sticks◦Flares - caution

Loading Safety

Never approach the aircraft unless an all-clear signal has been given by the pilot.

Loading Safety – Hot Loading

Hot Loading: loading or off-loading a patient while the rotors are still spinning.

Due to the lower rotor height on the A109 airframe, Mercy Air 7, 11, and 21 DO NOT utilize Hot Loading.

The crew will exit the aircraft and come to you to get the patient.

Loading SafetyApproach/depart

from side of aircraft only

Do not approach/depart from uphill position

Loading Safety

Rotor clearance- do not hold anything above your head

Let flight crew open and close the doors

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