Tulsa Fire Department - Air Support Guidelines

Helicopter Landing Zones

• Requests for helicopters are made through the Fire Allocation Officer (FAO) by the Incident Commander (IC).

Helicopter Transport Criteria

• Hazardous or impassable road conditions exist, resulting in delays for patients requiring rapid transport.
• Multiple victims of a serious nature require rapid transport.
• Initial resuscitation measures have been successful, and rapid transport by ground ALS is not available.
• Other circumstances, such as prolonged extrication time, may occur, requiring individual judgment on the use of helicopter transport.

Landing Zone Guidelines

• The Incident Commander (IC) assigns a Landing Zone (LZ) coordinator.
• The LZ coordinator is responsible for:
  • Selecting the area for the LZ.
  • Establishing and maintaining radio communications with the helicopter.
  • Ensuring adequate personnel are on the scene to control the LZ.
  • Ensuring all precautions and procedures are observed.

Landing Zone Requirements

• The LZ should be:
  • Level, firm, and free from loose debris.
  • At least 70' x 70' in size.
  • Have no more than a 2% slope.
  • Free from obstructions at a 45-degree angle from grade level.
  • Clear of people, vehicles, and obstructions such as trees, poles, and wires.
  • Determined wind direction, with helicopters landing and taking off into the wind.

Marking a Night Landing Zone

• Arrange two vehicles facing into the wind with headlights crossing at the center of the LZ.
• Use reflective stripes on bunker gear to assist the pilot.
• Establish ground/air radio contact as soon as possible.
• Avoid pointing spotlights, flood lights, and hand lights directly at the helicopter.
• Avoid using white lights, which can create a hazard for the pilots.
• Use red lights, which are helpful in finding accident locations and do not affect night vision.

Ground Procedures

• When the helicopter is sighted, the LZ Coordinator guides it to a safe landing.
• Eye protection should be worn.
• The LZ Coordinator stands with their back to the wind and arms raised over their head (with flashlights in each hand for night operations).
• The LZ Coordinator positions a company to provide quick extinguishment in case of a fire near the LZ.
• Do not approach the helicopter after it has landed.
• Medical crew exits the aircraft toward the front.
• Ground crew members direct the medical crew to the patients requiring medical attention.
• Be prepared to assist the crew by providing security for the helicopter.

Additional Safety Considerations

• Approach and depart the helicopter from the downslope side only if it lands on a slope.
• Keep ground vehicles at least 70 feet away from the aircraft.
• Keep bystanders at least 200 feet away.
• Wear eye protection during landings and takeoff.
• Keep chin straps securely fastened.

Hand Signals

• Refer to Figures 300.10.1.4a-d for helicopter hand signals.