Helicopter Landing Zones

A medical helicopter can reach a remote work site or a crash scene much faster than an ambulance. A safe landing zone helps the crew arrive and take off without a second emergency. Ground crews have simple but important jobs.

• Remote Work
• Supervisors
• First Responders

Before the helicopter arrives

• Call 911 or the dispatch number and give your exact location, ideally GPS coordinates, and the nearest landmark. See Calling 911 & Giving Your Location.
• The dispatcher decides whether to send a helicopter. Follow the pilot's and dispatcher's instructions.
• Assign one person to be the landing zone contact, in radio or phone contact with the crew.

Choosing and preparing the site

• Find a flat, firm area, typically about 100 by 100 feet (30 by 30 meters) as a common guideline. Larger is better; follow what dispatch says
• Remove loose items: tarps, hard hats, signs, plastic sheeting, tools and light debris that can blow into the rotor
• Look for wires, poles, trees, towers and light stands in the approach and takeoff paths. Tell the crew about any you cannot remove
• Keep the area clear of people, vehicles and animals
• Keep dust down by wetting dry ground, if possible
• Mark the corners with weighted markers or vehicles with lights on, parked outside the zone. Do not use flares or tape that can blow away
• Note the wind direction and tell the pilot. The crew will usually land into the wind

When it lands

• Stay back at least 200 feet or wherever the crew tells you, until the rotors stop or the crew signals you.
• Approach only when signaled, in the pilot's view, from the front or sides, never from the rear. Stay low and walk, do not run.
• Never go near the tail rotor. Do not reach up, as rotors can dip, especially on slopes.
• Protect your eyes from dust, hold on to your hat and gear, and keep loose clothing under control.
• Follow the flight crew's directions for loading the patient.

• Do not smoke or use flames near the aircraft.
• Do not shine lights at the pilot, and do not use drone cameras near the landing zone.

Last updated: October 8, 2026