On Scene and Landing Zone Safety
The following information was developed for our partners in care, including hospital staff, fire, police and first responders, who may interact with Ornge crews. For their own safety and to ensure the privacy of patients, members of the general public should not approach an Ornge aircraft.
The following material is available for download and is recommended for our community partners: paramedics, fire departments, police, physicians, nurses, and any other community member who may interact with Ornge aircraft.
On Scene and Landing Zone Safety FAQ
How do I choose and secure a suitable landing site (Daytime Scene Call)?
When securing a landing zone during daytime, please:
- place a minimum of two vehicles, beyond each end of the designated landing zone, perpendicular to the intended landing zone to prevent access to other vehicles;
- have the fire department hose down any dusty areas to prevent a zero visibility situation upon landing or departure;
- pack down fresh snow to prevent whiteout conditions or warn the flight crew of loose or powder snow conditions;
- ensure vehicles and personnel are clear from the landing zone (radius of 150') from a minimum of 3 minutes prior to the estimated time of arrival or a positive indication from the flight crew that it is safe to enter the landing zone;
- ensure vehicles and personnel are clear from the landing zone at any time after an indication, verbal or physical, from the flight crew that they are ready to start engines.
Watch Landing Zone Safety Video Online (Suitable Landing Site)
How do approach the helicopter?
Once the pilot has given you indication to approach the helicopter please ensure to follow the instructions below:
- ONLY APPROACH the helicopter with an Ornge escort.
- You must stay with your Ornge escort at all times.
- Always approach the helicopter at an angle at which you are able to make positive eye contact with the pilot.
- Never approach the aircraft from the back.
- If there is any doubt as to whether it is safe to approach the aircraft, DO NOT APPROACH.
- If you are on uneven ground, approach or depart from the downhill side as it has the most clearance from the rotors.
Watch Landing Zone Safety Video Online (Approaching Helicopter)
When can I approach the helicopter?
Once the helicopter has landed and it is time to move the patient please ensure that you do not enter the landing zone until you receive a positive indication from the pilot that it is safe to approach. ONLY APPROACH the helicopter with an Ornge escort.
Watch Landing Zone Safety Video Online (Approaching Helicopter)
What is rotor downwash and how do I prepare for it?
Rotor downwash is a common phenomenon that occurs during helicopter landing or hover (in close proximity to a ground surface). Rotor downwash is capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, which has the potential to cause significant damage to nearby vehicles and objects, as well as people.
To ensure that patients and others on scene are safe, please ensure to:
- Examine the landing zone for any loose objects or debris, as this may be picked up by rotor downwash and ingested through an engine intake.
- Common debris includes everything that is not secure, including but not limited to:
- pillows,
- blankets,
- tarps,
- loose clothing,
- sticks,
- plywood,
- paper, and
- plastic bags.
- Take cover inside or behind vehicles while a helicopter is arriving or departing (personnel).
- Close vehicle doors, windows and access compartments
- Exercise extreme caution when a helicopter is operating in the vicinity.
Watch Landing Zone Safety Video Online (Rotor Downwash)