Helicopter Safety and Familiarisation Case 1

You are a consultant in emergency medicine.

A patient was recently transferred by air ambulance to your emergency department (ED) and landed on a designated landing site adjacent to the hospital.

A member of the public approached the helicopter as it was landing. He was knocked over by the downwash from the rotor blades and fractured his wrist.

A formal complaint has been received by the hospital and you have been tasked with developing a protocol to enhance helipad security.

Who is ultimately responsible for helipad security in this scenario?

What PPE should the security staff be issued with?

What is the role of the security staff prior to the helicopter landing?

The security staff are in position and the landing site is clear. The helicopter lands and the pilot shuts down the engines.

When is it safe to approach the helicopter?

What should the security staff do prior to approaching the helicopter?

How should the security staff approach the helicopter?

The patient is offloaded from the helicopter and transferred to the resuscitation room. The air ambulance team is tasked on a mission and the helicopter needs to lift immediately.

What is the role of the security staff now?