Helicopter Landing Procedures at Hospitals: A Comprehensive Guide

The process for helicopters to land at hospitals is a vital aspect of air medical transport, ensuring safety and efficiency in transferring patients, especially critical ones. This article explores the detailed steps involved in landing a helicopter at a hospital, discussing key considerations such as communication with air traffic control (ATC), awareness of potential hazards, and cooperation with medical crews.

Communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC)

The first and most essential step is to inform ATC of your intentions to land. Many hospitals operate within or under controlled airspace, which necessitates pre-arrival communication to manage airspace effectively. Providing this information well in advance ensures smooth operations, especially in areas like metropolitan regions where air traffic might be congested.

Additionally, it's crucial to inform the hospital of your approach. This notification is particularly important if you are transporting a patient, as the hospital staff needs to be ready to assist in moving the patient to the appropriate department promptly. If the helicopter is empty, highlighting this to the hospital staff helps in maintaining the landing area as clear as possible for the next scheduled landing.

In some instances, you might need to wait for another helicopter to clear the landing pad, which is a normal occurrence in busy medical facilities with limited landing spaces. Certain hospitals have designations for two helicopters, common in ground-level pads, but this is less common in rooftop or confined landing areas. My experience has mainly been in metropolitan areas, where rooftop pads and very confined spaces are more frequent.

Awareness of Potential Hazards

One of the most critical factors to consider is the presence of obstacles. Many helipads are adjacent to structures like poles and power lines, which can be dangerous during a landing or takeoff. It's essential to familiarize yourself with these hazards, especially in daytime conditions, and document preferred approaches for each location. During my time, I would make notes of known obstacles to assist with the landing process.

Manuals are used to document potential obstacles and preferred approaches for different landing sites. These notes can be invaluable when landing in unfamiliar or very confined environments, such as streets, parks, parking lots, and other congested areas. Medical crews were trained to assist in clearing the area visually and calling out any potential hazards, such as tree limbs, power or telephone lines, emergency vehicles, and debris that could disrupt landing operations. Careful attention to the landing area helps prevent hazards from becoming actual accidents.

For instance, I've witnessed instances where gurneys were left on the landing pad, posing a risk to safety. Sheets and linen can also pose a hazard during a landing. However, hospital crews are usually vigilant about removing such items immediately or avoiding leaving them in the first place.

Conclusion

Proper communication with ATC, awareness of potential hazards, and cooperation with medical crews are key elements in ensuring a safe and efficient helicopter landing at a hospital. By following these steps, air medical transport teams can minimize risks and provide timely, effective care to patients.

The importance of these procedures cannot be overstated, as they directly impact the safety of both the medical personnel and the patients. By adhering to these guidelines, air medical transport can continue to play a vital role in emergency medical services.

For more information on helicopter landing procedures and air ambulance protocols, consider consulting with industry experts or reviewing official guidelines provided by regulatory bodies. Safe landings start with informed preparation and cooperation among all involved parties.