West Coast EMT Block One Exam

When approaching a helicopter, what is the safest practice?

1. Duck under the tail boom to avoid the rotor blades

2. Approach from the rear to avoid being seen by the pilot

3. Always approach from the side unless instructed otherwise

4. Avoid areas the pilot cannot see, such as the body or tail boom

The correct answer is: Avoid areas the pilot cannot see, such as the body or tail boom

Approaching a helicopter safely is crucial due to the risks associated with rotor blades and the pilot's visibility. The safest practice is to avoid areas that the pilot cannot see, like the body or tail boom. This is important because if an operator is in a blind spot, the pilot may not be aware of your presence, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Being visible to the pilot is essential for ensuring you are seen while approaching the aircraft. Approaching from areas which the pilot can see helps in maintaining safe distances and allows the pilot to react if necessary. This practice significantly reduces the risk of injury from rotor blades or unexpected movements of the helicopter. In addition to visibility concerns, the specific design of helicopters creates certain blind spots where personnel can be at risk. This is why it is crucial to adhere to the guideline of approaching only from areas where the pilot has a clear line of sight.