Air Rescue Operations
 Overview of Program

This program is designed to familiarize all personnel
with basic operations, layout and safety concerns of Air
Rescue.

The intent of the power point is to familiarize you with the
aircraft. We do not expect you to know all the components
without hands on training.
 Please review all modules and if more training or
information is needed, please feel free to contact Air
Rescue Operations.
Modules
Module 1- Orientation to helicopter operations and
aircraft familiarization.
Module 2- Landing zone information and safety
concerns of the aircraft.
.
Agusta-A119 Koala
 Pratt & Whitney PT6B-37a 1002 SHP
VNE 152 kts
 Fuel Capacity 160 USG (Jet A)
 Rotor Length Approx.43ft with lowest Ht. 5ft
 Weather Minimums (local = 25 nautical ml)
 Daytime local 800/2mi cross country
800/3mi Alt.
 Nighttime local 1000/3mi cross country
1000/5mi Alt.
Module 1- Orientation to
Helicopter Operations
When to access Air Rescue
 Air Rescue should be dispatched early on in any
incident that will require the use of air transport.
 Air Rescue is indicated for the transport of patients
meeting trauma alert criteria, IFT and critical
medical patient’s more than 20 minutes from
appropriate facility.
Module 1- Orientation to
Helicopter Operations
 Air Rescue may be utilized by personnel for the
transport of medical patients to local area
hospitals if ground transport time will hinder the
patient’s outcome.
 Air Rescue may also be utilized to access patients
in remote locations.
Module 1- Orientation to
Helicopter Operations
 Once it has been determined that there is a need for air
transport, Air Rescue should be launched. It may be
necessary to withhold landing or launching due to scene
circumstances. (i.e. prolonged extrication.)
 The Incident Commander will advise Air Rescue on a
landing zone location and will ensure its security by ground
personnel (this information will be covered in Module 2).
Module 1- Orientation to
Helicopter Operations
 After the launching of Air Rescue, the ground
crews responsibilities are to have the patient
packaged and ready for transport as soon as
possible.
 Ground crews should also have all vital patient
information prepared to turn over to the flight crew,
if possible.
More of this information will be covered in Module 3.
Module 1- Orientation to
Helicopter Operations
This is the patient compartment of the aircraft.
The left side of the ship is the primary
loading side of the ship.
Module 2- Landing Zone
Information and Safety Concerns
Landing Zone Information

Engine, Battalion, and FTO apparatus are equipped with
a book of locations for landing zones. If needed, GPS
coordinates can be given by the Battalion Chief or FTO.
Landing zones may be selected by the Incident
Commander or the helicopter pilots themselves as needed.
 All fire department suppression apparatus, FTO vehicles,
and BC vehicles are equipped with landing zone lights for
use. Please familiarize yourself with the lights and their
locations. These lights shall be used unless circumstances
dictate otherwise. Safety cones are NEVER to be used in
place of LZ Lights.
Module 2- Landing zone
Information and Safety Concerns
 All landing zones should be 100 x 100 ft during the
day and 200 x 200 at night.
 All hazards of the landing zone such as power
lines, fences, or light posts should be relayed to
Air Rescue.
 All landing zones should be secured from the
public. Non essential personnel must be kept
back at least 200 feet from the aircraft.
Module 2- Landing zone
Information and Safety Concerns
Safety Concerns
At night, make sure all headlights are turned
off with overhead lighting on to increase the
visibility of the Landing Zone.
 Ground crews shall wear bunker coat,
helmet, eye, and ear protection when acting
as a tail guard or approaching the aircraft.
SLCFD will not use a marshaler.
Module 2- Landing zone
Information and Safety Concerns
Persons that are assigned to LZ
safety will be located at the front
of the landing zone, (tail guard)
outside the rotor disk facing the
aircraft. This individual, as well
as all personnel on the scene,
should be aware of any civilians
or any type of debris entering
the landing zone that could
cause harm. NEVER stand
behind the aircraft.
Module 2- Landing zone
Information and Safety Concerns
When moving the patient from the scene to
the helicopter, a total of four personnel,
including the flight crew, should be utilized
to safely handle the stretcher and patient.
Please assure that there are no loose linens
or sheets on the stretcher.
Module 2- Landing zone
Information and Safety Concerns
 Approach the aircraft ONLY when signaled or
accompanied by a flight crew member.
 Approach to the helicopter should be at a 45degree angle to the nose or a 90-degree angle to
the patient compartment doors unless otherwise
directed by the pilot and flight crew.
 If at any point the pilot signals for personnel to
stop, personnel should stop immediately and await
further instructions from the pilot or command.
Module 2- Landing zone
Information and Safety Concerns
 After the patient has been safely loaded onto the
helicopter, the crews should then proceed back out of the
landing zone area in the same direction that they came in
from.
 Take care to secure the stretcher during the loading
process.
 The landing zone should remain secured for an additional
five minutes after the helicopter has left in case of any
emergencies that Air Rescue may have.
Finding an Acceptable
Landing Zone.
Alt. 1000FT Picking the right Landing Zone
St. Lucie County Air Rescue
Thank You. Any Questions?