Flight Paramedic Certification Exam Study Guide: Safety In The Air Medical Transport Environment.

The subject of “Safety” has the most questions on the exam from this section Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility Scene Safety LZ 100 x 100 level clear of obstructions Hold arm out in front at approx. 30 degree and turn 360 degrees looking for obstructions poles posts fences wires animals at night, light LZ, DO NOT shine lights into air. Clear LZ of debris (FOD) Dry - Wet down to prevent Brown Out event Snow - Pack Down to Prevent White Out Event Preflight Checks - Aircraft Pilots conduct initial check at beginning of every shift Every crew member performs a “Walk Around” before every flight Base to scene, scene to hospital, hospital to fuel, fuel to base, etc Things to look for… Fluid Doors ajar Cables Fuel grounding blade tie downs / engine covers Preflight Checks - Equipment Operational and Secured Checked at beginning of each day Full inspection Test equipment w/ batteries Oxygen levels Everything must be secured in aircraft Observe for Hazards during flight Eyes out during take-off, landing, and when ever PIC requests (ie. busy air space, traffic in area) Other aircraft Balloons Birds (Not a Joke) Changing Wx Conditions Lightning Microbursts Snow Towers Powerlines Uneven LZ Animals Utilize proper safety equipment while in flight Seat belts whenever possible Advise PIC “Out of Seat” / “Back in Seat” Helmets face Shields Down Hearing Protection Flame Resistant Flight Suites Steril cockpit and critical phases of flight Only safety critical conversation Take-off, Landing, Changes in Flight Basically any time other than “Straight and Level Flight” Aproach and Departure form aircraft Each Aircraft is different Know your aircraft Generally in view of pilot Front to 9 Front to 3 Essential to let PIC know you’re moving under main rotor Ensure Safety around the Aircraft Never hold anything above head while working around aircraft Never approach tail rotor No loose gear FOD Walk Ensure doors latched Seat belts are not hanging out of door Fire Guard During Start-up Tail Guard during scene / anytime aircraft is running Ensure suitable person to secure tail rotor Vehicles stay (>50ft) away from aircraft Secure patient 5 Point Harnes Pedimate or other suitable device CRM Applied to the Air Medical Community (AMRM) A concept that everyone works together for the safety of the crew 3 To Go, 1 To Say No Lowest Comfort Level in the aircraft Med Crew Communicate with pilots during all phases of the mission Post Mission Debrief Flight Mission Safety Decisions (Go-NO GO, Abort, “This Is Stupid”, I’m Uncomfortable, 3 to Go, 1 to say No) Response to inflight emergencies Fire Engine Fires CO2 extinguishers PIC will secure engine Cabin Fires Halon Secure Oxygen Immediately Land Immediately Fight Fire On Ground May have to fight in air May open cabin doors to vent Halon Emergency Egress Primary and Secondary Egress Wait for Violent movement to stop Wait for rotor blades to stop Check for hazards outside aircraft If in water, wait for aircraft to invert and fill with water Won’t be able to open doors until pressure equalizes Secure belts / tighten Identify Primary and Secondary Egress Place hand on primary egress handle for orientation Emergent Landing Assist pilot in locating suitable LZ Radio Call to Dispatch w/ position report IIMC (other weather conditions i.e. icing) Avation, Navigation, Communicate Climb to safe altitude and airspeed Contact Tower Declare Emergency Vectors to Clean Air / Nearest Airport Safety of by standards and patient Patient must be secured properly Hearing protection Escort EMS around aircraft Ensure safety in and out from under main rotor EMS should NOT approach aircraft without instruction from flight crew. Protect from flying debris wetting down LZ FOD Walk