SPIRIT OF MARSHFIELD: LANDING ZONE & HELIPAD SAFETY

The Spirit of Marshfield recently celebrated the safe completion of 5000 patient flights and we stress the fact that we did not do it alone. Flight safety begins with careful weather checks and well maintained equipment but continues with good helipads and landing zones set up by trained hospital, EMS, law enforcement and fire service personnel.

Complete information about Landing Zone (LZ) Safety is available in the Spirit of Marshfield EMS Field Guide as well as the ACLS and Emergency Medicine Handbooks. Hospital Helipad and EMS LZ Safety Cards and Videos are also available from our Safety and Equipment Committee. Spirit of Marshfield staff members are also available to provide LZ Safety classes on-site. Click here to request additional LZ Safety material or an on-site class.

Helipad/ Landing Zone Safety Basics

• A minimum of 100 ft. by 100 ft. clear of any obstructions or hazards is required.
• Hazards include signs, posts, fences, livestock, wires, trees, debris, vehicles, excessive dust, loose snow, antenna towers and excessive slope (>5°) or uneven terrain. 
• All non-essential personnel should be kept back 200 ft.
• Night Landing Zones need additional lighting including illumination of any hazards near the area.
• Lighting should be directed at the ground or obstacle and not pointed at the aircraft. Excessively bright lights or strobes may blind the pilot.
• Do not approach the aircraft unless directed to by the flight crew.
• Always approach the aircraft where the pilot can see you and do not go anywhere near the back half of the helicopter.
• No smoking around the helicopter or LZ.
• The helicopter produces significant rotor wash (winds up to 75 MPH). Keep all loose items such as sheets, hats and papers secured and protect LZ personnel during cold weather. Eye protection and hearing protection is recommended.
• For EMS scenes, a Landing Zone Coordinator should be appointed to oversee the LZ and communicate with the helicopter prior to arrival.