GM1 SPA.HEMS.135(b) HEMS
medical passenger and other personnel briefing
ED Decision 2023/007/R
GROUND EMERGENCY
SERVICE PERSONNEL
(a) When covering the items in AMC1 SPA.HEMS.135(b), the following could be described:
(1) Definitions: List applicable definitions and abbreviations.
(2) Helicopter(s):
(i) A basic description of the type(s) of helicopter(s) in use and
layout(s) such as doors for loading and offloading with text(s), figure(s) or
photo(s); and
(ii) Describe hazardous areas with figure(s) or photo(s), emphasise
dangers with respect to rotors and sloping terrain and carrying of patient(s)
or item(s) under the rotor disc.
(3) Types, and selection, of HEMS operating sites as applicable to
the operation:
(i) Describe different types of HEMS operating sites (for example,
roads, mountains, gardens, fields, mountain ledges, steep terrain, football
fields, school yards, pre‑surveyed sites, aerodromes);
(ii) Describe different types of advantages and disadvantages,
hazards (for example, weather and light conditions, the use of
flashlights/searchlights, surface, dust, snow, fixed and loose obstacles,
wires, downwash, open fires/fireplaces, traffic and bystanders), limitations
and procedures associated with the different types of HEMS operating sites;
(iii) Describe challenges related to weather (temperature, wind, fog,
low clouds, rain, snow) and light (night/non-NVIS/NVIS) conditions;
(iv) Describe HEMS operating site dimension(s) for the different
type(s) of helicopter(s) with text(s), figure(s) or photo(s);
(v) Describe how to illuminate the HEMS operating site from the
ground;
(vi) Describe light on skid/wheel;
(vii) Describe HHO or HEC with cargo sling;
(viii) Describe ground to helicopter signals;
(ix) Describe special hazards related to fire or chemical,
biological, or radiological accidents and the importance of selecting a safe
HEMS operating site(s) for the protection of both ground emergency services
personnel and crew; and
(x) Describe communication between the ground emergency services
personnel and helicopter during landing (radio communications or hand
signals).
(b) The operator could make available a short checklist, covering,
for example, the following items:
(1) Establish communication;
(2) Select operating site;
(3) Secure the operating site (public/bystanders/crowd
control/obstacles/loose objects); and
(4) Communicate with the helicopter the position of/how to identify
the operating site, weather, and hazards.
(c) It is advantageous if operators in the same operating area
collaborate when developing checklists and when describing items covered in AMC1 SPA.HEMS.135(b).
EASA HEMS operations require operators to brief medical personnel and ground emergency services on helicopter types, hazards (rotors, terrain), and operating site selection. Briefings should cover site types, weather challenges, dimensions, illumination, signaling, and communication protocols. Checklists for site selection, security, and hazard communication are recommended for safe helicopter emergency medical services.
* Summary by Aviation.Bot - Always consult the original document for the most accurate information.
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