G.8.4 Operation Around Aircraft

PURPOSE

To provide guidelines for ambulance staff working in or around rotor wing aircraft (helicopters) and fixed wing aircraft.
 

APPLICATION

• Paramedics
• Paramedic Superintendents
• Senior Managers
   

PROCEDURE

Rotor Wing Helicopters

• Landing site preparation and security must be as per MOHLTC BLS Patient Care Standards, specifically the Air Ambulance Utilization Standard, and the Ornge Helicopter Safety Sheet.
• NEVER APPROACH ANY HELICOPTER UNTIL THE ROTOR HAS STOPPED, or until advised to do so by a member of the aircraft flight crew.
• Paramedics should STAY IN THE AMBULANCE until directed to approach the aircraft.
• When approaching or leaving the area of the helicopter, always remain within the pilot's normal area of vision, remain in a crouched position when walking under the helicopter rotor disk area.
• On sloping or irregular landing surfaces, Paramedics should never position or approach from the up-slope side of the aircraft.
• The area adjacent to the landing site must be clear of loose objects such as tarps, cardboard boxes, clothing, etc.
• Keep vehicle doors and windows closed when in the landing area.
• SMOKING is not permitted during the arrival or departure of a helicopter.
• Loading and unloaded from an air ambulance helicopter must be directed by a member of the flight crew.
• Never operate a vehicle in proximity to the helicopter without direction from the flight crew.
• Under no circumstances will any personnel go around the tail section of the helicopter.
• When approaching the helicopter, nothing should be higher than your head (I.V. poles, etc.).

Helicopter Safety Guidelines - ORNG
 

Fixed wing Aircraft

• Where Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB Paramedics are required to operate in proximity to a fixed wing aircraft, the Paramedics shall follow instructions/directions pertaining to safety rules/procedures given by flight crew.
• Paramedics shall only move to airside of the facility when permission to do so has been granted by airport personnel or by established directive.
• Paramedics shall not have their emergency or OEM lighting in the active on position during aircraft approach as this may impact on pilot performance.
• Paramedics shall only reverse toward the aircraft for loading or unloading of a patient when directed to do so by a member of the flight crew.

Fixed wing aircraft safety Guidelines - ORNG

REFERENCE

Emergency Health Services Branch (2017), Basic Life Support Patient Care Standard, Version 3.0.1, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Ornge (2018), Rotor Wing Aircraft Safety Sheet