Aviation Safety and Survival Flashcards

In helicopter operations, what is the 'dead man's curve' (height-velocity diagram)?

Answer: A combination of altitude and airspeed from which a safe autorotation is not possible

The dead man's curve identifies altitude-airspeed combinations where insufficient time or altitude exists for successful autorotation if engine failure occurs.

A CFRN is caring for a ventilated patient at 8,000 feet MSL. How should the endotracheal tube cuff be managed during ascent?

Answer: Replace air in the cuff with saline or use a pressure-regulated cuff

Air in the ETT cuff expands at altitude, risking tracheal injury; filling with saline or using a pressure-regulated cuff prevents dangerous over-inflation.

When approaching a helicopter in a field landing zone, which path is the safest approach direction?

Answer: From the side, within the pilot's field of vision, staying in the 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock position

Approaching from the 3 or 9 o'clock position keeps you in the pilot's field of vision and away from the invisible, deadly tail rotor.

Which weather condition most commonly contributes to helicopter EMS accidents?

Answer: Inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC)

IIMC — where a VFR pilot inadvertently enters clouds or fog — is the most lethal weather-related cause of HEMS accidents.

What is the purpose of the crew resource management (CRM) principle of 'assertiveness' in air medical transport?

Answer: To empower any crew member to voice safety concerns regardless of rank

CRM assertiveness means any crew member — including the nurse — can and must speak up about safety concerns, regardless of the pilot's authority.

A patient on a fixed-wing transport develops a pneumothorax. At altitude, the pneumothorax will:

Answer: Expand and worsen due to Boyle's Law as ambient pressure decreases

Boyle's Law states that gas volume increases as pressure decreases; a pneumothorax will expand at altitude, potentially becoming a tension pneumothorax.

In an aircraft ditching scenario, what is the recommended brace position for a rear-facing passenger?

Answer: Lean back firmly into the seat with arms crossed over the chest

Rear-facing passengers should press firmly back into their seat and cross arms over the chest to minimize injury from deceleration forces.