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G.8.4 Operation Around Aircraft

 

Paramedic Services Effective Date: April 30, 2019
Topic: Occupational Health & Safety

Replaces: March 1, 2010

Subject: Operation Around Aircraft Policy No. G.8.4.

 

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