Landing Zone Information

Safety Tips

Clear the area of debris (i.e., tarps, tree branches, bottles, etc.)
Identify obstructions/hazards (i.e., wires, trees, fences, etc.)
Avoid slopes of > 10°
Mark each corner with high visibility cones (on their sides with weights)
DO NOT use “scene tape” – It could be pulled up into the rotor blades
NEVER approach the aircraft unless directed by the pilot and/or medical crew
NEVER run in the area of the aircraft
UH Airmed medical helicopter on the landing pad at night

Night Operations

Mark each corner of the LZ with any color strobes, cones with hand-light inside to illuminate, reflective markers

Minimize bright white “search-type” lights when helicopter is landing and departing

Guidelines to Establish a Safe Landing Zone

1
Identify a single communications officer who is:
  • Familiar with the geography of area
  • Free from providing direct care to the patient(s)
2
Call UH AirMed Communications Center 1-877-842-3822 and provide the following:
  • Unit calling/Call sign
  • Location address
  • Radio frequency
  • Location/Landmarks
  • Number of aircraft needed
3
Guidelines to prepare a safe Landing Zone (LZ):
  • Minimum 60 x 60 feet
  • Ideal 100 x 100 feet < 10-degree slope
  • Free from debris, obstruction, hazards (i.e., wires, fences, trees, loose objects)
  • Mark each corner (i.e., independent lighting system, cones, emergency vehicles)
4
Once contact has been made with the flight crew, provide helpful landmark information:
  • Water/Radio towers
  • High power lines
  • Schools/Tennis courts
  • Major road intersection
  • Swimming pools
5
LZ Descriptions:
  • Type of LZ (i.e., field, road, construction site)
  • LZ surface (i.e., field, grass, concrete, gravel, dirt, snow covered)
  • Boundaries of LZ (i.e., trees, houses, wires, picket fences, towers)
  • Approach and departure pathways
6
Notify the flight crew when you:
  • Hear the aircraft
  • See the aircraft
  • Direct the pilot to your location using the clock method

Remember: When using the clock method, the pilot is facing 12 o’clock.

Guidelines for Landing/Lift-off Safety

Cover your eyes

Never approach the aircraft unless directed by the pilot and/or medical crew

Keep vehicles “at least” 50 feet away

Keep crowds “at least” 100 feet away

No objects or people in the middle of the LZ

No flash cameras/white lights

No running/smoking

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