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Helo Hoist Operations. Rescue Basket. Primary Device Provides protection for survivors. Easy to use Victims must be ambulatory. Rescue Litter. Nonambulatory victims Large sail area Trail line Must be approved/tested. Rescue Sling/Strop. Trained personnel only Delivered open.
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Rescue Basket • Primary Device • Provides protection for survivors • Easy to use • Victims must be ambulatory
Rescue Litter • Nonambulatory victims • Large sail area • Trail line • Must be approved/tested
Rescue Sling/Strop • Trained personnel only • Delivered open
Dewatering Pump • Delivered to Coast Guard and civilian vessels. • Special aviation inspected hoist harness. • Weighs approximately 85 pounds.
Vessel Hoist Brief • Ensures coordinated effort between vessel and helicopter crews. • Alerts both crews to applicable hazards. • Common sense prevails…if you’re not sure, ASK! • Keep an eye on the helo, if something looks wrong BE ASSERTIVE!
Direct Delivery Method • Requires good hoisting area and clearance. • Conditions must be favorable. • Provides quick delivery. • Requires no line tending from deck personnel.
Trail Line Delivery Hoist • Aircraft unable to hover directly over target. • Unstable device (i.e. litter). • Situations where high possibilityexists for fouled cable. • More work for vessel’s crew. • Provides more control of device.
Trail Line Continued • Deck crew control of device is required. • Reduces time aircraft is in “critical area” Weak link with 300# breaking point
Trail Line Procedures 1. Trail line passed to vessel (Not necessarily vertical). 2. Delivery of device (Crew needs to PULL!). 3. Positioning of aircraft (Control spin of vessel). 4. Aircraft can turn with vessel or maintain position. 5. Trail line is used to guide device to desired location. 6. Patient loaded. 7. Recovery: Vertical or Offset A. Vertical is the same as direct recovery. B. Offset: 1.Unable to recovery vertically (Rigging hazards). 2. Device lifted and controlled by vessels crew, via trail line, to a position vertical to aircraft. 3. Aircraft effects a vertical recovery. 8. Trail line placed in water or discarded by aircraft.
Pump Delivery Direct: Similar to standard direct delivery method. Indirect: Dependent on vessel crew’s ability to pull pump aboard (85 pounds). 1. Weighted trail line delivered. 2. Aircraft moves away. 3. Flight mechanic ties off pump. 4. Pump dropped into water without weak link (Trail line is reversed).
Safety Items • Crews must always maintain an “aware position”. • Don’t put hands or fingers in caging devices. • Don’t throw trail line up/at helicopter • Let device ground/allow to “dip” if necessary. • Don’t attach trail line or hook to the vessel. • Stay ahead of boat (shallows, nav hazards, etc). • Maintain courses as briefed. • Visual reference for helicopter; rapid repositioning hazards.
Helo Engine Failures • Helo will attempt to break off and clear vessel. • Floats will probably inflate. • Allow aircraft to settle into the water. • Aircraft may turn upside down. • Stay clear of moving blades (no matter how slow). • HEEDs bottles can last up to 6 minutes.
Emergencies Cont. • Should have a predetermined abort briefing • Flashing blue lights, flashing landing lights or radio call (helo generally hears) • Break off and evaluate situation
CATCH/MATCH Instrument approach to the sea buoy (50 feet) Day: - Station must be able to safely cross bar to perform SAR in case of aircraft mishap. - Two-way comms with station. -Calls prior to descent and when safely climbing out. Night: Requires a cover boat or helo with two-way comms.
Rescue Swimmers • Cover vessel is required to maintain sight of the Rescue Swimmer any time they are in the water. • Emergency signals Day: Arms waved over head. Night: Flashing strobe. • Pilots may have boat reposition dependent on: Conditions, pilot experience, challenge, etc.