A SAR helicopter has landed a litter on deck to medivac a patient from your vessel. After ensuring that it has been grounded, what precautionary action should you take prior to loading the patient into the litter?
• Helicopter hoist safety procedures during SAR (Search and Rescue) operations • The purpose of grounding and when the hoist cable should stay connected • Risks of sudden aircraft movement or wave action while loading a patient
• Think about what could happen to the litter and patient if the vessel or helicopter moves unexpectedly while you are loading. • Consider why rescue teams want control of the litter at all times once it is on deck. • Ask yourself which option maintains maximum safety and control for both the patient and the helicopter crew during the transfer.
• Verify which option keeps the litter under continuous control of the hoist system. • Check which action would avoid creating new hazards, such as tripping or an unsecured patient. • Ensure that the chosen action is consistent with standard helicopter SAR procedures and not something the aircrew would specifically warn you not to do.
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