CQ RESCUE Helicopter Service

Activating CQ RESCUE

On Scene requests usually originate from ground emergency personnel or individuals calling the '000' network. In the event of a patient sustaining illness or trauma in which transport to a tertiary level emergency care facility or Trauma Centre is warranted on scene medical and emergency crews can request the helicopter and its onboard medical team.

The helicopter is then dispatched to the scene in order to provide advanced care and rapid transport of the patient.

Inter hospital requests commonly originate from the sending facility, but may also originate from the accepting facility when hospital to hospital contact has already been established and patient details passed on.

Landing area safety and security is of utmost importance during helicopter operations at various sites whether they be official helipads in open fields, roads or ovals. To facilitate medical transport of patients, CQ RESCUE works in conjunction with the Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire & Rescue and Queensland Police and together, they have developed a set of safety guidelines to help crews establish emergency landing sites.

In addition to designated helipads, the helicopter may land at undesignated helipads. In the event of an undesignated landing situation, communication must exist between CQ RESCUE and ground personnel in order to identify the landing zone and clear the area of obstructions. CQ RESCUE will normally establish communication with Ambulance, Police or Fire Service crews to ensure they are on site for the landing. Roads and open field landings are common.

Safety Requirements

• Area should be clear of debris (trash cans, barriers, cones, etc.)
• Obstructions should be noted and relayed to the pilot (wires, tall trees, light stations, antennas, etc.
• Crowd control should be ensured prior to aircraft's arrival
• During a night landing:
  • Emergency lights should be on to help locate the site.
  • Two vehicles should be stationed at the corners to make an "x" with their low beam lights.
  • Any obstructions should be illuminated if possible.