- Aircraft Specific:
- Discuss key features of the helicopter
- Hazardous proximity of rotors to the ground;
- Noise levels of jet engines necessitate hearing protection;
- Light weight construction of airframe / doors require careful handling. Don’t push of antennas or external structures;
- Note where pilot sits and crew seats are (where rider may sit on scene / hospital transfer / night missions);
- Emphasize no unsupervised movement around aircraft and never allow personnel in the vicinity of the tail rotor.
- Loading and Unloading:
- Discuss role of team members in loading / unloading
- Team members escort patient to / from aircraft;
- Pilot will announce when crew may exit for loading / unloading; very important that all movement of people around the aircraft be controlled;
- Discuss door handling, seat belts, seat adjustments, headset use, etc.
- Demonstrate loading system from back of aircraft, head room / head strike hazards, clamshell door operation.
- Facility / Hangar / Helipad:
- Discuss staging, mission preparation, standby vs activation requests;
- Talk about appropriate clothing / footwear / personal items to bring;
- Orient to pager / cell phone use / possibility of being stranded;
- Demonstrate use of special equipment as appropriate (ie. NVGs).
- In flight expectations:
- Discuss sterile cockpit concept;
- Talk about general lookout and reporting expectations;
- Mention preparations for air sickness / congested sinuses / when health issues should preclude flight;
- Discuss in flight emergencies; provide general guidance on expectations on the rider;
- Review flight following requirements, survival equipment, PAIP;
- Brief landing zone (scene) requirements; discuss typical hazards to watch for.
Provide a walk-around inspection of the aircraft to ensure familiarity and understanding of aircraft safety.