Power Points for EMS Education

1. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Yukon Emergency MedicalYukon Emergency Medical
ServicesServices
Medevac OperationsMedevac Operations
Helicopter Safety TrainingHelicopter Safety Training

2. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
ObjectiveObjective
All YEMS personnel who work around helicopters must
be trained annually in the procedures required to operate
safely around rotary aircraft.

3. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
OutlineOutline
Danger ZonesDanger Zones
Approaching and Departing the AircraftApproaching and Departing the Aircraft
Crew Co-operation / Safety BriefingCrew Co-operation / Safety Briefing
Safety and Survival EquipmentSafety and Survival Equipment
Loading and Unloading EquipmentLoading and Unloading Equipment
Prohibited OperationsProhibited Operations
Patient ManagementPatient Management

4. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014

5. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Helicopter Danger ZonesHelicopter Danger Zones
CAUTIONCAUTIONCAUTIONCAUTION CAUTIONCAUTIONCAUTIONCAUTION
DANGERDANGERDANGERDANGER
SAFESTSAFEST

6. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
 Approach and deplane using the safe corridorsApproach and deplane using the safe corridors
to the front and side of the aircraft as directedto the front and side of the aircraft as directed
by the pilot.by the pilot.
 Avoid traveling upslope until clear of the rotorAvoid traveling upslope until clear of the rotor
arc.arc.
 Crouch slightly and employ Personal ProtectiveCrouch slightly and employ Personal Protective
Equipment to protect your eyes and unprotectedEquipment to protect your eyes and unprotected
skin.skin.

7. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
 Whenever possible wait for the rotors to stopWhenever possible wait for the rotors to stop
turning before approaching or departing a rotaryturning before approaching or departing a rotary
aircraft.aircraft.
 Wait for confirmation from the pilot - eitherWait for confirmation from the pilot - either
visual or audible (radio transmission) beforevisual or audible (radio transmission) before
emplaning or deplaning.emplaning or deplaning.
 While under a helicopter that is under powerWhile under a helicopter that is under power
you may feel the urge to rush - DON’T - Useyou may feel the urge to rush - DON’T - Use
slow, methodical and deliberate motions.slow, methodical and deliberate motions.

8. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Even a slowly rotating or droopingEven a slowly rotating or drooping
rotor blade has the power to injurerotor blade has the power to injure
or kill!or kill!
Do not become complacent.Do not become complacent.
Remain aware of potential hazardsRemain aware of potential hazards
and changing situations.and changing situations.

9. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Crew CooperationCrew Cooperation
YEMS Medevac personnel are notYEMS Medevac personnel are not
helicopter passengers – they arehelicopter passengers – they are
aircraft crew members engaged inaircraft crew members engaged in
helicopter operations.helicopter operations.

10. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Crew Resource ManagementCrew Resource Management
Before engaging in helicopter operations ask theBefore engaging in helicopter operations ask the
pilot for an aircraft familiarization and safetypilot for an aircraft familiarization and safety
briefing.briefing.
While the pilot is responsible for the safeWhile the pilot is responsible for the safe
operation of the aircraft, passenger and patientoperation of the aircraft, passenger and patient
safety is the responsibility of all crew members.safety is the responsibility of all crew members.

11. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
A safety briefing must includeA safety briefing must include::
 An overview of main and tail rotor hazardsAn overview of main and tail rotor hazards
 Emplaning and deplaning proceduresEmplaning and deplaning procedures
 The location of first aid kit and survival gearThe location of first aid kit and survival gear
 ELT/Fire extinguisher location and operationELT/Fire extinguisher location and operation
 Door and seat belt operationDoor and seat belt operation
 Equipment storage and stretcher operationsEquipment storage and stretcher operations

12. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
First Aid KitFirst Aid Kit

13. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Survival EquipmentSurvival Equipment

14. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Emergency Locator TransmitterEmergency Locator Transmitter
(ELT)(ELT)

15. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Fire ExtinguisherFire Extinguisher

16. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Seat Belts
http://www.flickr.com/photos/irishflyguy/2425021379/
http://www.ecrater.com/p/6222639/airline-airplane-seat-belt-seatbelt
http://www.aircraftpartslist.com/listing_detail.php?id=220408872984

17. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Always get a safety briefing from the pilot.Always get a safety briefing from the pilot.
This must be done for all aircraft evenThis must be done for all aircraft even
similar makes and models. Some featuressimilar makes and models. Some features
that may be different on similar aircraft are:that may be different on similar aircraft are:
High/low skid gearHigh/low skid gear
Slam/no slam doorsSlam/no slam doors
Bear paws/no bear pawsBear paws/no bear paws
Head sets (push to talk vs. hot)Head sets (push to talk vs. hot)
Stretcher types / Patient loadingStretcher types / Patient loading

18. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
DURING FLIGHTDURING FLIGHT
 Whenever patient care permits, remain seated with your seat
belt attached. Attendants MUST be seated and equipment
secured for both take-off and landing.
 If you are in the front seat – keep hands and equipment
clear of all controls and switches.
 While en-route discuss mission requirements such as
weather concerns, time constraints, ground time required
for patient care and anticipated weight/space restrictions.

19. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
LOADING CARGOLOADING CARGO
 Equipment must be loaded in the cabin and tail boom
compartments in accordance with the pilot’s instructions.
 Ensure that weight is distributed evenly – both laterally and
fore / aft.
 If there is a mixed load of cargo and passengers, the cargo
must be loaded so all exits are accessible to
passengers.

20. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
CARGO IN THE TAIL BOOMCARGO IN THE TAIL BOOM
 Secure light or potentially hazardous items in the
tail boom with the permission of the pilot.
 Unload the tail boom before the forward
compartments to ensure Centre of Gravity is
maintained.
 If unloading items while the rotors are turning,
maintain control of doors and any light articles that
may be drawn into the rotors.

21. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
INTERNAL LOADINGINTERNAL LOADING
 Flammable or dangerous goods (Oxygen and some
medications such as Entonox) should be stored
outside the crew cabin when not in use.
 Heavy items such as defibrillators should be
carried as close to the center of the cabin as
possible.
 Ensure cabin cargo is secured to prevent shifting
during flight.
 Never obstruct flight controls.

22. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
UPON LANDING
 Do not undo your seat belt or attempt to exit the
helicopter until the landing gear is on the
ground and the pilot has given approval.
 Obtain a signal or verbal instruction from the
pilot before approaching or exiting the aircraft.
 Discuss and agree with the pilot what your
intentions are after you have exited the aircraft.

23. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
- If it is not possible for the pilot to shut the rotors down- If it is not possible for the pilot to shut the rotors down
to remain at the helipad, discuss leaving the aircraftto remain at the helipad, discuss leaving the aircraft
with the rotors turning.with the rotors turning.
- Gather equipment and walk clear of the rotor arc in- Gather equipment and walk clear of the rotor arc in
clear view of the pilot. Crouch down in a group untilclear view of the pilot. Crouch down in a group until
the aircraft has flown away.the aircraft has flown away.
Remember to make a plan for ongoingRemember to make a plan for ongoing
communication and pick-up BEFORE the pilotcommunication and pick-up BEFORE the pilot
flies away.flies away.

24. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
If it is unsafe for you to move outsideIf it is unsafe for you to move outside
the rotor arc, crouch in view of the pilotthe rotor arc, crouch in view of the pilot
to the front of the aircraft until theto the front of the aircraft until the
helicopter has lifted off and flown away.helicopter has lifted off and flown away.

25. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
NEVER walk upslope away fromNEVER walk upslope away from
a helicopter whose rotors area helicopter whose rotors are
still turning.still turning.

26. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Hover Entrance andHover Entrance and
Hover Exit are theHover Exit are the
practices ofpractices of
entering or leavingentering or leaving
a helicopter whilea helicopter while
the skids are notthe skids are not
touching thetouching the
ground.ground.
Hover Entrance/ExitHover Entrance/Exit

27. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Hover Entrance/ExitHover Entrance/Exit
are specialty operations requiring specificare specialty operations requiring specific
training and safety procedures.training and safety procedures.
There isThere is no operational requirementno operational requirement forfor
YEMS personnel to ever be involved inYEMS personnel to ever be involved in
hover entrance/exit operations.hover entrance/exit operations.

28. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
 Refueling will be carriedRefueling will be carried
out by the pilots or flightout by the pilots or flight
engineers. YEMS staffengineers. YEMS staff
willwill NOT refuel aircraft..refuel aircraft..
 Hot fueling is at theHot fueling is at the
discretion of the pilot.discretion of the pilot.
YEMS staff and patientsYEMS staff and patients
WILL NOT be on boardbe on board
during refueling.during refueling.
NO SMOKING
AT OR NEAR
FUELING SITES
Helicopter Refueling

29. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Patient ManagementPatient Management
The cabin of a helicopter is both crampedThe cabin of a helicopter is both cramped
and noisy – a difficult place to provideand noisy – a difficult place to provide
patient care in flight. However the noise,patient care in flight. However the noise,
unregulated air temperature, altitude andunregulated air temperature, altitude and
vibration associated with rotary aircraftvibration associated with rotary aircraft
operations will adversely affect patientoperations will adversely affect patient
condition unless the attendant anticipatescondition unless the attendant anticipates
and prepares for this environment.and prepares for this environment.

30. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Patient Management ConsiderationsPatient Management Considerations
1 vs 2 attendants?1 vs 2 attendants?
Positioning of equipment.Positioning of equipment.
Initiation of intravenous access?Initiation of intravenous access?
Extra batteries, oxygen and blankets.Extra batteries, oxygen and blankets.
Positioning of patient to optimize access.Positioning of patient to optimize access.
Need for airway protection and ventilation?Need for airway protection and ventilation?

31. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Bell 206 (Jet Ranger or Long Ranger
The Jet Ranger and Long Ranger both have stretcher mounts that
can be attached to the left side of the aircraft. Most 206 stretchers
are unpadded and can not elevate the head or be used to provide
SMR. However, this assembly can hold the Ferno # 9 Stretcher or a
backboard.
http://www.colacambulance.com/
HEMS%202.htm

32. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
AS350 – A-Star
The A-Star also has a left-mounted stretcher option that can be
put in place by the pilot on request. Some of these stretchers have
padding and may be used to elevate the head of the patient. They
are also able to hold the Ferno # 9 Stretcher and/or a back board.
http://www.aero.pub.ro/wp-
content/themes/aero.pub.ro/uploads/
JANE_S_ALL_THE_WORLD_S_AIRCRAFT/
JANE_S_AIRCRAFT_UPGRADES/
jau_0552.htm

33. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014 http://www.airambulancetechnology.com/he_bell%20205.htm
Bell 205/212
The Bell 205 and 212 are much larger helicopters more
commonly employed locally during Wildland Fire Season. The
# 9 stretcher, backboard or rolling stock cot (i.e., the 35P) can
be secured to the floor in a number of configurations allowing
attendants to sit/operate on both sides of the patient.

34. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Patient ManagementPatient Management
YEMS has no dedicated air carrier for rotaryYEMS has no dedicated air carrier for rotary
operations. This means that attendants willoperations. This means that attendants will
be working with a variety of differentbe working with a variety of different
helicopters, pilots and companies.helicopters, pilots and companies.
Familiarize yourself with the aircraft layoutFamiliarize yourself with the aircraft layout
and discuss patient care requirements withand discuss patient care requirements with
the flight crew before you fly.the flight crew before you fly.

35. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Do not assume:
That the pilot knows what you will need to
carry the patient appropriately.
Discuss the options for positioning a
stretcher-bound patient before you leave
the Helipad and make sure you have all the
necessary equipment.

36. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
A FINAL CONSIDERATION:A FINAL CONSIDERATION:
If you are boarding a helicopter to participateIf you are boarding a helicopter to participate
in a Medevac, you are likely going into ain a Medevac, you are likely going into a
remote area.remote area.
Are you clothed and equipped appropriately?Are you clothed and equipped appropriately?

37. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Summary
Helicopters allow YEMS personnel to access
remote areas but present significant risks to
crew members and patients.
Knowledge of and adherence to safe work
practices are the only way to work safely
around these useful but potentially deadly
machines.

38. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Questions?

39. Annual Rotary Wing Operations Training
Helicopter Safety
YEMS – Medevac Helicopter Safety
Training
June 20, 2014
Thank You