OG 4007 Helicopter Landing

Issued By: OPERATIONS (B. Clarke)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher 
Date of Issue:  1997/01/29
Revision Date:  2008/11/01

PURPOSE:

To provide an operating guideline for responses to helicopter landings for agencies including but not limited to: Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR), Emergency Health Services Lifeflight (EHS), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), etc.

OBJECTIVE:

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency will utilize a standardized response when responding to DNR, EHS and/or CAF. 

SCOPE:

This operating guideline applies to career and volunteer firefighters with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency. 

PROCEDURE: 

Due to the possibility of a crash of a helicopter during landing or take off in a residential area, requests for apparatus to standby are made to reduce the response time in the event of an incident. Therefore:

(1)    Apparatus will not be hooked to hydrants, nor will lines be laid at the landing site;

(2)    Crews will position apparatus at a safe distance from, yet within visual contact of the actual landing site, enabling immediate response in the event of an incident.

(3)    If requested to assist in establishing a landing zone (LZ) such as with EHS Lifeflight, refer to that agencies specific procedures.

(4)    If possible and/or requested to do so, consider liaising with the helicopter/air agency for specific instructions and coordination of the operation.

(5)    Safety Considerations:

a)    Never approach or depart the helicopter unless guided by the aircrew.

b)    Always walk and keep your head down when approaching and /or departing the helicopter. Never walk behind the helicopter because of the tail rotors or the front of the aircraft due to the rotors lower ground clearance in this area. It is preferable to approach from the sides of the aircraft. 

c)    No backing up of emergency vehicles to the aircraft unless directed to do so by the pilot (or air crew). If directed, keep the pilot (or aircrew) in sight as he / she will be spotting you in order to avoid a collision with the aircraft or its rotors. 

d)    On uneven ground, always approach and depart the aircraft on the downhill side. Never approach and depart on the uphill side!

e)    When carrying equipment or objects toward the aircraft, never allow anything to be held higher than your crouched head ideally at waist level if possible. These equipment or objects should also be carried parallel to the ground and never upright.

f)    Ensure there is no smoking within approximately 100 ft. of the aircraft.

Reference: EHS Lifeflight Ground Crew Safety and Scene Guide.

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the procedure used when responding to DNR, EHS and/or CAF.