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 weather conditions at the site of the accident, including wind speed, visibility, cloud level, precipitation, etc

 information on whether a helicopter landing at the site is possible.

Safety Procedures on the Ground

 Never approach the helicopter when the rotor blade is moving.

 Do not approach the helicopter until told to do so by a member of the crew.

 Stay low or in a kneeling position with your back to the wind.

 Only approach the helicopter in the direction indicated by the pilot or crew member. It is usual to kneel up-wind, head on to the helicopter.

 Never approach from the rear of the machine or out of sight of the crew.

 Ensure that there is no loose equipment or clothing on the ground or on the person/s close to the helicopter.

The diagram above shows the ideal layout of the rescue site and the arm signals used to communicate with a helicopter.

In the mountains it is difficult to ensure flat ground. Remember a helicopter cannot land on steep slopes. It is important to stay below the pick-up area if the rescue is on a slope, since the helicopter may have to hover and winch the casualty aboard. The rotor blades may come very close to the slope above the rescue, so stay out of this zone. Stay below it and kneel.