Harris County ESD No. 7 Helicopter Landing Zone Operations PDF

# Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 - Helicopter Landing Zone Operations ## Standard Operating Line SFD.016 | Revision No. | Issue Date | Review Date | Effective Date | Approved by: | |---|---|---|---|---| | 0 | 24 Jun. 2024 | 1 July. 2025 | 24 Jun. 2024 | Scott C. Seifert | | 3 | 24 Jun....

# Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 - Helicopter Landing Zone Operations ## Standard Operating Line SFD.016 | Revision No. | Issue Date | Review Date | Effective Date | Approved by: | |---|---|---|---|---| | 0 | 24 Jun. 2024 | 1 July. 2025 | 24 Jun. 2024 | Scott C. Seifert | | 3 | 24 Jun. 2024 | 1 July. 2025 | 24 Jun. 2024 | Scott C. Seifert | ### Operation **S** **Helicopter Landing Zone Operations** ## 1. Executive Summary * Designate an apparatus and crew for the landing zone (LZ), with specific parking and marking instructions. * Use FM 1960 Fire Ground 1 as the primary radio channel for helicopter communications, with the Incident Commander or designated ground contact verifying communications. * Communicate all hazards to the aircraft, use vehicles as shields from the LZ, and require eye protection and full protective gear for firefighters. * Maintain fire protection during the helicopter's arrival and departure. * Landing Zone Considerations: Provide at least a minimum LZ size, inspect for hazards, and ensure it is free from obstacles and debris. * Have a hose line ready for deployment and consider easily packable lines for LZ surface preparation. ## 2. Purpose To establish procedures for maximizing firefighter, law enforcement, EMS, and general public safety when dealing with helicopter landing zone operations. ## 3. Policy Statement This procedure is to be followed by all members of this department regardless of the district in which the landing/liftoff is located. Authority to deviate from this procedure rests with the Incident Commander who is solely responsible for the results of any deviation. ## 4. Scope This guideline applies to all members. ## 5. Definitions See Glossary. ## 6. Procedures and Responsibilities * There should be an apparatus and crew designated and dedicated for the landing zone. * The apparatus should be parked 150 feet or further from the center of the LZ. * LZ corner marking devices should be used (turbo flares, traffic cones, marker lights, or vehicle headlights are acceptable). An up-wind marker to display the wind direction is helpful, but not required. * FM 1960 Fire Ground 1 is the primary radio channel utilized for communications with the helicopter. An alternative radio channel may be provided if necessary. * Communications with the helicopter must be verified by the incident commander or designated ground contact. * All hazards must be communicated over the radio to the approaching helicopter. * The helicopter needs to know where it is that they are expected to land, i.e. intersection, parking lot etc. * Additional information may be requested by helicopter such as patient information and condition. * Personnel must remain outside of the LZ perimeter and should be in a position to use the apparatus or other vehicles as a shield from the LZ. * Flying debris is a distinct probability in the event of flight failures and other loose objects. Eye protection must be worn. Full protective gear is required for firefighters affected by rotor wash. If no gear is available, the member must be seated within a vehicle. * The pump operator must use the apparatus as a shield from the rotor wash or be seated inside the cab near the pump panel. This position will allow for proper shielding and immediate pump activations, if necessary. * In the event personnel are actively working at the incident (extrication, patient packaging, patient care, etc.), they will be notified of when the helicopter is approaching for landing and suitable precautions (if any) will be taken. * Fire protection will remain in place during arrival and departure of the helicopter, or any time the aircraft motor is running. * Any hazards that were noted during the landing such as loose signs, debris, etc. should be secured prior to the helicopter departing. * The same precautions of personnel should be taken during the departure that were taken during the arrival. * The incident commander or designated ground contact should advise when the helicopter has safely landed as well as when the helicopter departs. * Upon the helicopter departing, the LZ should be maintained until the helicopter is clear of the landing site in case of emergency that may require the pilot to land back to the LZ without delay. ## 7. References & Related Policies This section provides references to applicable laws, standards, or other related internal policies or guidelines. | | Applicable State or Federal Statutes | | | |------|---------------------------------------|------|------| | NFPA | | OSHA | Spring FD | | TCFP | CPSE PI | ISO | TFCA | ## 8. Contact Office The appropriate contact office for questions or comments on this SOG is: * Company Officer * District Chief * Deputy Chief of Operations * Assistant Chief * Fire Chief ## 9. List of Changes | Revision No. | Description of Changes | Approved by | Effective Date | |---|---|---|---| ## 10. Errors See something wrong? Click here or use this QR code to submit an error or inconsistency. ## Other: LifeFlight ## 11. Landing Zone Considerations * Provide a LZ a minimum of 250 feet from the emergency scene. * The LZ should be a minimum of 75′ by 75' during daylight, and 100' by 100' during darkness, inclement weather, or other potentially hazardous weather conditions. * The officer assigned the LZ will inspect the proposed LZ for the following characteristics and hazards: * Terrain: * Level or Sloped * Rocks, bushes, tall grass * Hard surface or unimproved * Obstacles: * Signs, trees * Antennae, power lines * Vehicles * Loose debris * Wind Direction & Speed * Vehicle locations * Distance from incident location * The landing zone should be on level ground and free from obstacles and debris. * A hard landing surface is preferred over a field, or unimproved surface. The hard surface allows the patient stretcher to be rolled with ease and only requires the flight crew to move the patient. **Landing Zone Diagram** * A hose line should generally be readily deployable, but not deployed unless needed. If a hose line is necessary for LZ surface preparation, easily packable lines should be considered (booster line, front bumper line). ## 12. This policy is for internal use only and does not enlarge a member's legal duty or civil liability in any way. This policy should not be construed as creating a duty to act or a higher duty of care, with respect to third-party civil claims against members or the department. A violation of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of a complaint by this department for non-judicial administrative action in accordance with the laws governing member discipline. This policy is for internal use only and does not enlarge a member's legal duty or civil liability in any way. This policy should not be construed as creating a duty to act or a higher duty of care, with respect to third-party civil claims against members or the department. A violation of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of a complaint by this department for non-judicial administrative action in accordance with the laws governing member discipline.