181st INF BDECombat Lifesaver

Plus

181st INF BDECombat Lifesaver

Plus

MEDEVAC LZ Selection

MEDEVAC LZ Selection

Overview

Selection Criteria

Landing Procedures

Marking an LZ

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Selection Criteria

Level as possible• Clear of debris (commo wire, engineer tape, lose

equipment) for a 50 meter radius• Secure/check for IEDs• Point out obstacles over 30’ high• CAUTION! Aircraft produces winds that can throw

rocks and debris. Protect both your eyes and the patient's eyes

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Landing Procedures

Determine marking of LZ• Day – smoke (pop just prior to arrival)• Night – IR or normal strobe (blue/green are not

visible under NODs), IR Buzz Saw

Keep vehicles and personnel 100 meters clear of area (except signal person)

Keep light sources away from the LZ

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Landing ProceduresOnce aircraft is inbound• Expect an estimated time of arrival• Be prepared to give an update on casualties and

site security• Ensure the radio is being continuously

monitored

Once aircraft has landed• Keep away from aircraft, flight medic will come

to the patient• Four litter bearers per patient

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Properly Marked LZ

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7 Paces

14 Paces14 Paces

XTOUCHDOWN

DIRECTION OF WIND

DIRECTION OF VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS, IF USED

DIRECTION OF LANDING

DIRECTION OF VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS, IF USED

Note: Area should be clear of obstructions, in an area not likely for an ambush, and positioned on top of hard packed dirt, gravel, or pavement. Keep vehicles and personnel 100m away from landing area if possible.

= LIGHTING DEVICE

Real World LZ

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Real World LZ

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Real World LZ

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Real Word LZ

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Examples of Poorly Chosen MEDEVAC LZs

Examples of Poorly Chosen MEDEVAC LZs

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H

Highway Overpass

A large open area away from the overpass and light poles with a hard crust or gravel (versus loose dirt) would be the best choice for an LZ in this situation

An LZ surrounded by light poles and next to an overpass is not a good LZ, select an open area that is clear of obstacles for a MEDEVAC LZ

Light poles

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The PREFERRED LZ location in this scenario would be a hard packed area with earthen crust intact and perhaps some small vegetation. This would mitigate the risk from brownout conditions when landing

A vehicle turn around is a likely IED target for insurgents on top of being filled with lots of loose dirt that will create brownout conditions. This is an area to AVOID when setting up a MEDEVAC LZ. Dirt Roads are also a poor choice

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Questions?