Helicopter Procedures

Helicopter transport is most beneficial for MCIs when the transport of all (or most) of the victims, meeting trauma center criteria, to the closest trauma center (Jackson Memorial Hospital) may overwhelm the trauma network.

A helicopter response from one of the agencies listed above for Aerial Reconnaissance or Aerial Rescue may be considered by the ______ for the following incidents: a. High-Rise fire suppression operations, with a large vertical evacuation component i. Especially where occupants may be forced to evacuate to the roof b. Open water Dive Rescue incidents for rescue i. Coast Guard helicopter response is preferred in these situations c. Large scale Haz-Mat operations for aerial reconnaissance d. Following a large scale natural or manmade disaster (hurricane, tornado, bombing etc.) where it may be difficult to find the location of the incident due to the destruction of natural landmarks and street signs by the disaster. So long as they are not overwhelmed with other operations

If a Helicopter response, which requires the helicopter to land, is requested for an incident within the City of Miami, the Miami Fire-Rescue Department will be responsible for establishing and operating a ______.

The ______ shall be a square of one hundred feet (100’) on each side or a circular pattern of one hundred feet (100’) in diameter.

The LZ/IC shall oversee all LZ ______.

Unauthorized personnel shall not be permitted to approach the Helicopter. This is the general responsibility of ALL Fire-Rescue Department personnel, but it is most definitely the overall combined responsibility of the Aircraft Commander and the LZ/IC. In keeping with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, no person(s) will approach or depart from an Air Rescue Helicopter on an incident scene or helipad unless escorted by an Air Rescue Crew Member. This procedure will ensure that no one approaches or departs the Helicopter without the knowledge of the air crew. Once the Helicopter has landed, the Marshaller should confer with the Aircraft Commander as to the Helicopter’s departure. 6. MARSHALLING a. The Aircraft Commander may not always follow the exact direction of the Marshaller. This shall be coordinated with the LZ/IC. b. Most approaches will be made directly to the ground and not to a “hover”. c. The Aircraft Commander may elect to land without the assistance of a Marshaller and may request that the Marshaller remain clear of the LZ until after the Helicopter has landed. d. The LZ/IC shall assign one of the personnel from the crews assigned to the LZ the Marshalling duties. Edited: 4/22/09 e. Marshaller shall stand at the outer edge of the LZ perimeter on the windward side with his/her back to the wind. f. Marshaller shall remain in eye contact with the pilot at all times. g. DO NOT APPROACH the Helicopter until the Marshaller has received the “all clear” (thumbs up) signal from the pilot or flight medic. h. Marshaller shall be in full PPE with goggles on or helmet visor down. i. Marshaller shall use two (2) flashlights (with wands attached, if available) for Marshalling operations. j. The Tail Rotor Guard shall ensure that everyone stays clear of the tail rotor at all times. k. All personnel shall approach Helicopter in pilot’s field of vision only. l. All personnel approaching the Helicopter shall use the “low crouch” method and carry any tools below the waist level. m. All members shall become familiar with the Marshalling Hand Signals. MARSHALLING SIGNALS ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES Edited: 4/22/09 Edited: 4/22/09 Edited: 4/22/09 Edited: 4/22/09 Edited: 4/22/09 Edited: 4/22/09 Edited: 4/22/09 Edited: 4/22/09 Edited: 4/22/09 Edited: 4/22/09 Edited: 4/22/09 Edited: 4/22/09 Edited: 4/22/09.

No person(s) will approach or depart from an Air Rescue Helicopter on an incident scene or helipad unless escorted by an ______. This procedure will ensure that no one approaches or departs the Helicopter without the knowledge of the air crew.

The Aircraft Commander may not always follow the exact direction of the Marshaller. This shall be coordinated with the ______.

Marshaller shall stand at the outer edge of the LZ perimeter on the ______ side with his/her back to the wind.

DO NOT APPROACH the Helicopter until the Marshaller has received the “______” (thumbs up) signal from the pilot or flight medic.