Helicopter rescue

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Help them find you

Go to a clearing or open area, away from trees and wires.
Signal as soon as you hear it: mirror, smoke, light, a brightly colored garment waved. Once it sees you, stay still so the crew can decide.
Secure or stow everything loose (tarps, clothing, bags, hats): the rotor downwash is very strong and throws objects that can hit someone or damage the helicopter.

Zone: ideally an area of at least 100 × 100 ft (30 × 30 m), flat, firm, with no wires, poles, or trees overhead. Remove branches, trash, and loose rocks. If there are wires nearby, report them (by phone or with signals).
Stay well back while it lands and takes off: at least 200 ft (60 m), with your back to the rotor wind, protecting your eyes. If something gets in your eyes, crouch down and wait.
Approach only when the crew signals you, from the front and in view of the pilot, crouched and accompanied by a crew member. Never from the rear: the tail rotor is almost invisible when it spins.
On sloping ground, approach and leave from the downhill side.
No hats or loose clothing. Don't raise anything above shoulder height (poles, antennas, sticks).
Don't open or close the helicopter's doors: leave everything to the crew.
Don't point flashlights or lights directly at the helicopter at night: they blind the pilot.

Don't touch the cable, hook, or basket until it touches the ground or water: the helicopter builds up static electricity that can give you a strong shock.
Never tie the cable to anything (tree, car, building).

Follow the crew member's signals and instructions exactly. Inside the basket, sit with your arms and hands in and don't move until told to.
Keep documents and medications inside your clothing; don't carry loose items.