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For Health & Emergency Personnel |
Safety is Everyone's Responsibility
Establishing a Landing Zone The landing zone should be at least 75 feet X 85 feet, relatively flat, and free of overhead obstructions. Inform LIFE STAR of any obstacles near the landing zone (trees, power lines, antennas, cranes, etc.)
Marking the Landing Zone
By day, a landing zone may be marked by orange cones or flares at each corner, a strobe light, or by a ground cover of contrasting color (this must be removed prior to landing). At night, a single strobe light, or a road flare in each corner of the landing zone is helpful. Never direct spotlights, white strobes, or flash photography toward LIFE STAR, as this will impair the crew's night vision.
Securing the Area
Secure the landing zone to prevent unauthorized persons from approaching LIFE STAR. Keep the landing zone clear of loose articles and hazardous debris. Protect yourself and your patient from rotor downwash.
Keep well clear of the landing zone when LIFE STAR is approaching and taking off. Wear eye protection, and, if the landing zone is very dusty, consider wetting down the area if possible.
Approaching LIFE STAR
Do not approach LIFE STAR unless requested by the flight crew. If you are requested to approach LIFE STAR, stay within the pilot's field of vision. (see diagram) The tail rotor is invisible when spinning - never approach the tail area.
Follow the directions of the flight crew when assisting near LIFE STAR. Carry equipment horizontally, below your waist level - never upright or over your shoulder. Always carry stretcher in a forward facing position, standing upright at all times. No smoking inside or within 100 feet of LIFE STAR!
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WHO CAN REQUEST LIFE STAR?
| NOTICE TO EMS PERSONNEL: Beginning on October 13, 2009, LIFE STAR will begin utilizing a permanent replacement of one of our BK 117 helicopters. This replacement helicopter is an upgraded model of the BK 117, called an EC145. This state of the art aircraft, based at Hartford Hospital, will continue to provide critical care transport for the citizens of Connecticut and our surrounding neighbors. Scene operations will remain unchanged. We will be utilizing a different type of stretcher system. Please be patient with us while we adapt to our new stretcher, maneuvering the patient from the ambulance to the a/c and loading the patient into this aircraft. We look forward to working with you. |
Any EMS person who is responding to the scene and is certified by OEMS:
- POLICE
- Fire Personal
- MRT, EMT all levels
- Nurse or Physician
GUIDELINES FOR REQUESTING LIFE STAR
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Mechamism of Injury
- Fall from over 20 feet
- Apparent high speed impact
- Ejection from vehicle
- Death of another passenger
- Passenger with multiple injuries
- Major vehicle deformity- outside/inside
- Vehicle rollover
- Pedestrian struck at speed >20mph
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Physiologic Factors
- Systolic BP <90 mmHG
- RR <10 >29
- Respiratory Distress (drowning, fire)
- Pulse <60 >110
- Cardiac Event with unstable vital signs
- Hypothermia/Hyperthermia
- Anaphylaxis
- High Risk Pregnancy/Complications
- GCS <12
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Situational Factors
- Prolonged Extrication
- Increased Travel Time
- Rural of Isolated Area
- Medical or Community Disaster
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Anatomic Factors
- GSW to Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, or Groin
- Penetrating Injury to above
- Severe Burns: >15% of BSA
- Burns to Face and Neck
- Possible Spinal Cord Injury
- Amputation
- Fracture of 2 or more Long Bones
| WHEN TO REQUEST LIFESTAR
- When the patient looks bad or the source of injury is impressive
- The aircraft can always turn around
- Work within local Fire/EMS protocols
- REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
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Forms for Health & Emergency Personnel
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