Landing Zones

To ensure landing site safety, please observe the following guidelines.

• Daytime: Flat area 100 x 100 feet
• Night/high winds: Flat area 150 x 150 feet
• Sites should be free of overhead obstructions (wires, trees & signs) and ground debris (trash cans, twigs and ambulance sheets) and be as level as possible.
• Rotary beacons of emergency vehicles should be left on to help the pilot identify the general location. However, do not shine lights upward toward the aircraft.
• Night landing zones must be identified by emergency vehicle beacons; crisscrossed low-beam auto headlights, or light sticks that are well secured to the ground.
• Keep people at least 100 feet from the landing zone.
• Always approach the helicopter from the front and only after signaled to do so by the pilot and/or medical team.
• Never approach the helicopter from the rear or from the uphill side of the aircraft.
• There should be absolutely no smoking or running within 100 feet of the helicopter.
• Secure all medical items,. Never bring loose sheets or raised I. V. poles into the landing zone.
• Remain with the patient. The medical flight team will come to you.
• The flight team is responsible for loading and unloading equipment and patients.
• Please do not assist the flight team in opening or closing the helicopter doors. 

Additional information can be found in the St. Mary's of Michigan TAG (Transfer Assistance Guidelines) Manual.