Center of Central Georgia Hospital Helipad Safety OBJECTIVES

Center of Central Georgia Hospital Helipad Safety

OBJECTIVES • To familiarize all staff with helicopter operations on the pad. • To review helipad safety systems. • To insure patient loading and off loading is performed safely and efficiently • To provide initial and recurrent training for hospital staff.

Who should receive helipad training? • All hospital staff with a responsibility to respond to the helipad. • All hospital staff with maintenance responsibilities related to the helipad.

The Landing Zone Team • Patient care staff. Primarily the Emergency Center staff. − Typically two trained EC team members will meet the incoming aircraft to receive and transport the patient to the transfer area. • Emergency Medical Services • Hospital Security Officers • Plant operations Maintenance staff

Helipad Safety Basics • Be familiar with the helipad systems • Remain alert at all times. • Access is restricted to those with current helipad safety training. • Be aware of any changes in helipad surroundings.

Daily Helipad Inspection • Clear or secure all loose items • Check all navigational aids to include: • Windsock, beacon, perimeter and flood lights. • Inspect surrounding area for new hazards. • Check fire suppression systems and escape routes.

Before the Aircraft Arrives • Insure the helipad is clear • Rotor wash can be hazardous. Make sure there are no loose objects or equipment in the landing zone. − Tools, trash, electrical cords, etc. can injure staff and damage aircraft.

Before the Aircraft Arrives • Keep all staff in the protected area. • Remove or secure loose items (including the pocket contents and ID Badges)Secure all loose clothing, ID tags. • Don hardhats (secured by chinstraps) and safety eye protection. − This is required by OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910. 183 Helicopters

Before the Aircraft Arrives • Only stretchers designated for helipad use should be in the landing zone area. − Mattresses and linens must be removed. − IV poles should not extend above head height. − All straps and attachments must be secured to the stretcher.

Aircraft arrival • The aircraft will contact the hospital on VHF 155. 340 (HEAR) • The incoming aircraft will always relay cold or hot off load in their radio report. • The air service communication center will usually attempt to notify the ED by telephone. • Never approach the aircraft without a crew member.

Aircraft arrival • Remain in the protected area until signaled by the flight crew. − For most landings the rotor blades will have stopped completely before the signal to approach is given • During night landings, no lights or flood light should be pointed at the aircraft. − Improperly used lights can affect the pilot’s vision and create a hazardous condition. • ALWAYS wait for a signal from the flight crew before approaching the aircraft. − Do not leave the protected area or approach the aircraft until the flight crew indicates that it is ready.

Approaching the Aircraft • Always remain in view of the flight crew. • Never run on the helipad. • Do not touch the aircraft unless instructed to do so by the flight crew. − Only allow flight crew to operate the aircraft doors and equipment. − Significant damage can be done to the aircraft by untrained personnel.

Approaching the Aircraft Only approach the helicopter, from the front, when motioned to do so by the pilot or crewmember Danger Area

“Cold” Landing • 99. 5 percent of incoming patients will fall into this category. • Aircraft will land with a standard 30 -60 second engine shut down procedure. • Wait until rotor blades have stopped and the flight crew has given the signal to approach. • The flight crew’s will open the aircraft doors and operate the mechanical sled system in the aircraft. • Position the hospital stretcher close to the aircraft and set the brake.

“Hot” Landing • Wear eye and ear protection. • Approach the aircraft from the front. • NEVER walk behind the sliding door. You will be seriously injured or killed by the rear tail rotor!

“Hot” Landing • Never lift IV fluids or anything above your head. • Remain calm and use situational awareness.

Patient Handling • Follow flight crew’s instructions during off loading/loading. • Be cognizant of IV lines, catheters and chest drainage systems.

Key Points • Make sure there are no loose objects or equipment in the landing zone. • Always wait for a signal from the flight crew before approaching the aircraft. • Always approach the aircraft from the front. • Always remain in view of the flight crew. • Do not touch the aircraft unless instructed to do so by the flight crew.

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