Nurse Connection - Caring Nurses. Expert Advice.

WellmontOne: Air Transport

In emergency situations, minutes can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why we’ve taken our service excellence to the skies with the new WellmontOne Air Transport helicopter.

Strategically based at Takoma Regional Hospital in Greene County, WellmontOne can respond swiftly to motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies across the region as well as transport patients from the farthest corners of our communities to Wellmont trauma centers.

Emergency and communications officials can access safety and procedural information by following the links on the left. You can also download WellmontOne safety tips and WellmontOne emergency services provider information.

If you have questions, please call the Wellmont Nurse Connection at 1-877-230-NURSE

• EMS/Dispatch Information
  

  Who can request WellmontOne services:

  • Public safety officials
  • Dispatch/communications centers
  • Emergency medical service providers – including industrial EMS such as mining and manufacturing facilities
  • Fire personnel
  • Law enforcement

  Radio communications and scene coordination:

  • WellmontOne will contact the county dispatch center followed by the ground crew on its frequency, unless otherwise directed by dispatch.
  • Please provide WellmontOne dispatch with any alternate frequencies to be used.
  • Dedicate one person to relay scene coordination information to the flight team.
  • A sterile cockpit will be maintained on landing and departure from the landing zone. Please provide only safety related information during that time.
  • Notify the flight team of any obstacles noted prior to and during landing.

  Information needed by WellmontOne dispatch:

  • Name and callback number of requesting agency or facility
  • Nature of the call
  • Your location – include initial landing zone or nearest intersection, if available
  • Primary radio contact information
  • If any other services have declined the flight or are en route to the same location for other patients

  Aircraft crash rescue access training:

  A full demonstration of aircraft crash rescue access is given during on-site training sessions. To schedule a training session please call the communications center at (866) 884-3117 or crew quarters at (423) 571-4134.

• Safety Tips
  

  Ground teams’ approach to the helicopter:

  • Personnel should not approach the helicopter unless specifically requested to do so by the medical team.
  • If you are directed to approach the helicopter by the flight team, NEVER approach from the rear of the aircraft. Always approach from the front or side – within the pilot’s view.

  • Always make eye contact with the pilot and receive a command from the pilot before approaching. During night hours, the pilot will signal the search light as his or her approval for you to approach the helicopter.
  • Always wear eye and hearing protection when working around the helicopter.
  • Protect yourself from the rotorwash.
  • No stethoscopes, ball caps, loose jewelry or loose clothing should be worn by personnel assisting with patient loading or off-loading.
  • Do not touch or stand in front of the search light. This device becomes very warm and the safety of ground personnel is of utmost importance.
  • Do not bring the patient to the aircraft; allow us to come to you.

  Facility/hospital helipad safety:

  • Please follow all of the above helicopter approach guidelines.
  • Notify dispatch of any construction at or near the facility.
  • Ensure the helipad is clear of obstructions.
  • Turn on helipad lights.
  • Notify security (when applicable at your facility.)
  • Please do not park stretchers near the helipad. The helicopter rotorwash can blow sheets and mattresses off the stretcher. The stretcher can also become dislodged and can endanger people and cars in the parking lot.
• Landing Zone Preparation
  

  Landing zone preparation tips:

  • Minimum 80-foot by 80-foot space during the day
  • Minimum 100-foot by 100-foot space during at night
  • Clear area of all wires
  • Area must be on a level or minimal slope
  • Clear area of obstructions and debris
    

  Landing zone considerations:

  • Wind direction – helicopters land and take off into the wind
  • Approach and departure paths should be clear of all obstructions
  • Mark overhead obstructions if possible (like parking emergency vehicles under power lines, for example)
  • Use the following items to mark landing zones at night: hand lights, hand lights in traffic cones, emergency vehicles (no white lights), strobe lights (no white lights), commercially available landing zone marking systems