Technique and experience for mountain rescue
Hi guys,
i would appreciate any comments to some questions about the techniques and experiences on mountain rescue ops.
We are using BO 105 and BK 117 helicopters for transporting rescuers by hoist or fixed line. The insertion and extraction of rescuers and patient in mountains, some times it's a tricky operation. On "short haul" the rescuers are fixed to the end of a long line hooked to a double reduntant attachment. Hoist ops should be known. Maybe it would be interesting to discuss the several methods, line lenghts, rescue equipment (rescue bag), crew, practice, mirrors, emergency procedures... .
We use tyromont rescue bags, one pilot at the controls using mirrors to hold the position, for hoist ops a winch operator and a two man rescue team. Line lenghts up to 150 ft. The rescuers are equipped with a personally seat harness, helmets with radios und some alpine stuff for rescue and self protection. I think the hoist ops is the better variant, but needs an additionally crew member and hoists are expensive. Fixed line is cheaper but needs more crew experience.