CFRN Aviation Safety and Survival 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In rotor-wing aircraft operations, 'wire strike' refers to collision with power lines. Which approach phase carries the highest wire strike risk?
- High-altitude cruise at 1,500 feet AGL
- Low-level approach to an unprepared landing zone at night or in low visibility (Correct answer)
- Vertical ascent from a hospital helipad
- En route flight at 500 feet AGL in clear daytime conditions
Correct answer: Low-level approach to an unprepared landing zone at night or in low visibility
Low-level approaches to unprepared LZs at night or in low visibility dramatically increase wire strike risk because lines are nearly impossible to see.
Question 2: A CFRN is responding to a scene where the landing zone has a 5% slope. Which direction should the helicopter land relative to the slope?
- Facing uphill so the nose points toward the high side (Correct answer)
- Facing downhill so the tail is lower than the nose
- Perpendicular to the slope with the left skid on the high side
- Direction is irrelevant as long as the slope is under 8%
Correct answer: Facing uphill so the nose points toward the high side
Helicopters should land facing uphill (nose upslope) to prevent dynamic rollover and maintain rotor clearance from rising terrain.
Question 3: In the event of smoke in the helicopter cabin, what is the FIRST priority for the flight nurse?
- Don oxygen mask and notify the pilot immediately (Correct answer)
- Identify and eliminate the source of smoke
- Open a cabin window to ventilate
- Administer supplemental oxygen to the patient
Correct answer: Don oxygen mask and notify the pilot immediately
The flight nurse should first don their oxygen mask to maintain their own effectiveness, then immediately alert the pilot to the smoke emergency.
Question 4: What is the primary reason flight crew should avoid carbon fiber or aluminum frame glasses during flights?
- They interfere with aircraft communication headsets
- They can become projectiles in a crash due to their rigidity (Correct answer)
- They fog at altitude due to pressure changes in the cabin
- They amplify UV radiation at high altitudes
Correct answer: They can become projectiles in a crash due to their rigidity
Rigid frame glasses can become lethal projectiles during crash deceleration; flexible frames or contact lenses are preferred for flight crew.
Question 5: Which standardized communication technique is recommended in HEMS to reduce read-back errors during critical phases of flight?
- SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation)
- Closed-loop communication with mandatory read-back confirmation (Correct answer)
- NATO phonetic alphabet exclusively for all transmissions
- One-way radio silence during approach and landing
Correct answer: Closed-loop communication with mandatory read-back confirmation
Closed-loop communication requires the receiver to read back instructions, confirming accurate receipt — the aviation-standard method to prevent miscommunication errors.
Question 6: A CFRN crew is completing a post-crash survival checklist in a remote wilderness area. After ensuring personal safety, what is the next priority?
- Signal for rescue using any available means
- Treat all injuries including minor lacerations
- Retrieve the flight manifest from the wreckage
- Establish radio contact with the communications center (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Establish radio contact with the communications center
After immediate safety, establishing radio contact with the communications center activates search and rescue and provides rescuers with location and status information.
Question 7: Which condition defines 'crew incapacitation' in the context of HEMS operations, and what is the flight nurse's role?
- Any illness requiring the nurse to take over clinical duties from the paramedic
- Any physical or mental impairment of a crew member that compromises their ability to perform duties; the CFRN must notify the remaining crew and assume appropriate tasks (Correct answer)
- Fatigue that exceeds FAA duty hour limits requiring a mandatory rest stop
- Any medication taken by a crew member within 8 hours of flight duty
Correct answer: Any physical or mental impairment of a crew member that compromises their ability to perform duties; the CFRN must notify the remaining crew and assume appropriate tasks
Crew incapacitation is any impairment affecting duty performance; the CFRN plays an active CRM role in identifying it and redistributing tasks to maintain safety.
CFRN Aviation Safety and Survival 5
In rotor-wing aircraft operations, 'wire strike' refers to collision with power lines.
Which approach phase carries the highest wire strike risk?