Landing Zones.pdf

SOG Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department 329 Fire Procedure Manual MEDIVAC Helicopter Landing Zones 329.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE This document provides arrival and on-scene procedures for the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department to establish a MEDIVAC landing zone. Corresponding Policies: Aircraf...

SOG Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department 329 Fire Procedure Manual MEDIVAC Helicopter Landing Zones 329.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE This document provides arrival and on-scene procedures for the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department to establish a MEDIVAC landing zone. Corresponding Policies: Aircraft Operations Incident Management 329.2 FIRST FIVE MINUTES The Incident Commander (IC) should appoint a landing zone (LZ) Supervisor. The LZ Supervisor should: #Confirm with Dispatch that at least one engine company has been dispatched or, if at an active incident, confirm with IC that at least one engine company can be dedicated to the LZ assignment. #Upon arrival at an LZ location, evaluate the sight for suitability or, if assigned to establish an LZ, locate a suitable LZ. #LZ suitability considerations should include, but not be limited to, the following: • A flat, open grassy or hard surface area • At least 100-feet square (larger landing zones may be required based on type of helicopter) • Clear of trees, power lines, poles and other obstructions • At least 100 yards from any response-related or other human activity • ANY ARTIFICIAL FIELDS ARE NOT TO BE USED. #If assigned to establish an LZ at an active incident, notify the IC and Dispatch of the location. #Once the LZ location is confirmed as suitable, request an operating channel from Dispatch for direct communication with the aircraft, make contact and • Request an ETA. • Advise the pilot that confirmation will be given when the LZ is prepared for landing. 329.3 PROCEDURES 329.3.1 RESOURCE DEPLOYMENT (a) Apparatus Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/11/08, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department ***DRAFT*** MEDIVAC Helicopter Landing Zones - 1 Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department Fire Procedure Manual MEDIVAC Helicopter Landing Zones 1. 2. The driver engineer should make reasonable efforts to position apparatus so personnel can immediately engage in fire suppression operations, with consideration for: • Access to and distance from a fixed water source, if available. • Access to the LZ and surrounding area while keeping a safe distance for landing and take-off. • Making sure the foam system (if equipped) is ready for use and a handline is deployed, if resources are available. • Turning off any unshielded apparatus lighting to prevent it shining upward and affecting the vision of the pilot. Personnel • A minimum of two firefighters should be in full personal protective equipment (PPE), including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), prepared to deploy attack lines should conditions warrant. 329.3.2 OPERATIONS (a) (b) To prepare the LZ, the LZ Supervisor should: 1. Assign personnel to walk the area to clear debris that could be picked up by rotor wash or create a danger to the aircraft or ground personnel. Ensure that no Landing Zones are established on any artificial turf areas. 2. Mark the LZ corners with weighted traffic cones. 3. If dark, contact the pilot and ask if lighting is wanted. If so, deploy any or all the following resources, depending on availability: (a) If available, mark the LZ corners with red auxiliary lights. If not available, use half-mile lights set to strobe and facing inward to the center from the corners. (b) Two vehicles at the borders of the LZ with headlights facing the center of the LZ. Vehicles should not be opposite each other to avoid blinding the vehicle driver engineers. 4. Assign personnel to keep all individuals at least 100 feet from the LZ. 5. If an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or laser pointer is being employed, it should be shut down during LZ operations. 6. Reasonable steps should be taken to keep any third parties from using a UAS or laser pointer during LZ operations. After the LZ is prepared, the LZ Supervisor should: 1. Contact the pilot and confirm that the LZ is ready for use. 2. Aid the pilot in locating the LZ, if requested. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/11/08, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department ***DRAFT*** MEDIVAC Helicopter Landing Zones - 2 Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department Fire Procedure Manual MEDIVAC Helicopter Landing Zones 3. 4. (c) Advise the pilot of any reasonably identified conditions that could create a landing hazard, including but not limited to: • Any sloping on the site • Nearby power lines • Nearby activity • Nearby structures Advise Dispatch when aircraft has landed. After aircraft has departed the LZ Supervisor should: 1. Advise Dispatch. 2. Maintain landing zone until helicopter is out of sight. 3. Assign personnel to remove any LZ markers or landing aides. 4. Clear the scene with Dispatch. 329.4 UNIVERSAL PRACTICES Personnel operating in or near an LZ should: 1. Wear helmet and eye protection 2. Not approach the aircraft until directed by the pilot. 3. Approach and walk away from the aircraft from the side only. 4. Not walk around the tail rotor. 5. Not carry anything overhead. 6. Not run towards, around or away from the aircraft. 7. Allow the aircraft crew to control activity around the aircraft. 8. Secure loose objects light enough to be blown into the rotor blades. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/11/08, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department ***DRAFT*** MEDIVAC Helicopter Landing Zones - 3 Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department Fire Procedure Manual MEDIVAC Helicopter Landing Zones 329.5 PROCEDURE DECISION TREE Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/11/08, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department ***DRAFT*** MEDIVAC Helicopter Landing Zones - 4