Ambulance crews are not to delay patient transport (or on scene times) as the helicopter can be diverted to the hospital.

Helicopter Safety

• Change radio channel
  • UHF - Ch 50
  • VHF- Ch41
• Never approach the helicopter, follow crew instructions at all times
• Always wait for the aircrew to come to you
• Keep all vehicles, patient, other emergency personnel & bystanders at least 50m from landing site
• At night, use head lights and avoid shining torches, etc. towards the helicopter
• Use eye & ear protection

Activation Criteria

• Time critical patient (trauma/medical) when the patient will benefit from critical care intervention and to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient by expedient transport to definitive care.
• Motor vehicle accident where the patient Is trapped or has been ejected
• Probable spinal Injury
• Diving injury
• Burn/electrocution

If considering standing down the aircraft in-flight, call CSPSOC

Landing Site Hazards

Beware of:

• Power cables
• Animals
• Sloping ground
• Sand, loose objects and soft ground
• If dusty ground, wet if possible (call DFES)
• Landing site should be at least the size of two tennis courts (50 x 50m)

Note: The pilot may choose an alternate landing site so STAY WHERE YOU ARE

Information required by Operations Centre

Incident information:

• Type of incident
• Presenting injuries or illness
• Number of patients
• Call back number
• Patient details if known
• Location of incident

Helicopter access information & SITREP

• Type of terrain
• Hazards
• Weather conditions
• Landmarks
• Potential landing sites