Guidelines for Integrating Helicopter Assets into Emergency Planning
Abstract
In the last four decades, helicopters have proven their values to communities when disaster strikes. And yet, all too often people simply assume helicopters will appear at an emergency. The truth is, without careful emergency planning, rotorcraft may not appear or if they do, might not be used to their full potential and the communities' maximum benefit. Consequently, emergency planners often do not take the best advantage of helicopter assets within their planning area, in the form of public serve, private, and military helicopters, that may be available to help deal with a crisis situation. Helicopters and their complementary heliports are indeed community assets which require advance planning for their most effective use. These guidelines are based on accepted disaster planning concepts, tempered with 'lessons learned' through the analysis of 18 case histories ('Rotorcraft Use in Disaster Relief and Mass Casualty Incidents - Cases Studies' DOT/FAA/RD-90/10, June 1990). The guidelines contain recommendations on how to best integrate helicopters into existing emergency planning in order to provide maximum protection and lifesaving services in the community. Further information is provided on developing an inventory of helicopter resources; surveying helicopter operators capabilities; determining communication capabilities and requirements; designating, establishing, and controlling landing zones; and implementing a planned helicopter response.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA241479
Entities
People
- Catherine Adams
- Jack Thompson
- Sandra Henninger