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Shannon AirMed 1. Landing Zone Information. Helicopter use should be considered in the following situations Trauma Score <12 Glasgow Coma Scale Score <10 Penetrating trauma to the abdomen, pelvis, chest, neck, or head
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Shannon AirMed1 Landing Zone Information
Helicopter use should be considered in the following situations Trauma Score <12 Glasgow Coma Scale Score <10 Penetrating trauma to the abdomen, pelvis, chest, neck, or head Spinal cord or spinal column injury producing paralysis of any extremity Partial or total amputation of an extremity Two or more long bone fractures or a major electrical or chemical burn Fatalities of other occupants involved in accident Patient involved in a serious traumatic event who are less than 12 or more than 55 years of age Patients with near-drowning injuries, with or without existing hypothermia Adult patient with any of the following vital sign abnormalities Systolic blood pressure < 90mmHg Respiratory rate < 10 or >35 per min Heart rate < 60 or >120 per min Unresponsive to verbal stimuli When to callAirMed1
Mechanism of injury Vehicle rollover with unrestrained passengers Vehicle striking pedestrian at > 10 miles per hour Motor vehicle accident with structural intrusion into patient’s space in vehicle Motor vehicle accident with front bumper displacement to rear of more than 30 inches Motor vehicle accident with front axle displaced to the rear Multiple victims Motorcycle victim ejected at > 20 Miles per hour Falls from > 15 feet Difficult access situation Wilderness rescue Ambulance access or egress impeded by road conditions or traffic Time and distance factors Patient extrication time > 20 minutes Transport time to trauma center > 15 minutes by ground Transport time to local hospital by ground is greater than transport time to trauma center by helicopter When to callAirMed1
How to call AirMed1 • Requests for transport can be placed via our 24 hour toll free number 1-800-277-HELI 1-800-277-4354
The communications center will ask the nature of the emergency, your location and patient information. Locations can be given by street address or GPS coordinates, although it is helpful to have both.
Determining a suitable landing zone • The first consideration for a suitable L.Z. is size. There should be a minimum area of 60 x 60 feet during the day and 100 x 100 feet at night to ensure adequate clearance. Roadways generally make excellent landing zones.
Daytime 60’ x 60’ Night 100’ x 100’ 60’ 100’ 60’ 100’
Advise the flight crew of any known obstacles, especially wires, within 500 feet. Wires are very difficult to see from the air. The L.Z. should be relatively level. Maximum ground slope: 8 degrees
Cell phone and communications towers can also pose a hazard Towers are especially hazardous at night. The problem is compounded if marker lights are out of service Notify the flight crew of any known obstacles around the L.Z. using compass directions, e.g. “400 foot tower north of the landing zone, approximately 300 yards” Also note wind direction and approximate speed
Even with GPS it can sometimes be difficult to spot the location of ground personnel. If you see or hear the aircraft you can give further information of your position in relation to the aircraft by the positions of the clock, e.g. “the intersection at your 3 o’clock” 12 9 3 Or by the helicopter’s location in relation to the scene by compass directions, e.g. “you’re just west of our position” 6
As much as possible the area should be clear of debris and loose objects. Ground personnel should be aware that loose objects can be blown around creating hazards to both the helicopter and ground crews. Hearing and eye protection are recommended
Hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete are preferred landing areas. Dusty areas can reduce visibility making it difficult or impossible to land the helicopter.
Landing zone security Ground personnel should set up a perimeter before the helicopter arrives. All personnel and bystanders must remain well clear of the landing zone until after the helicopter has departed.
Never approach the helicopter from the rear Do not approach the helicopter until the blades have come to a stop Approach from the front, and only after you are directed by the flight crew Never approach the helicopter from the rear
Turning on overhead lights will assist the flight crew in finding the scene. Code lights can be seen from miles away at night. Use caution with headlights and spotlights.
Do Not allow anyone to shine lights at the helicopter as it is landing or departing. Bright lights can temporarily blind the pilot.
Additional considerations Dispatch early – AirMed1 can always turn around once en route Plan for an alternate L.Z. – If weather prohibits landing at the scene we may be able to meet you elsewhere AirMed1 is dedicated to providing air medical service in the safest most expedient means possible. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact us.