When selecting an emergency landing site at an accident scene, we recommend that you follow the steps listed below: Accident Scene Site Selection Consideration 1 Is the area large enough to operate a helicopter? The landing area should be flat, firm, and free from debris that would blow up into the rotor system. Consideration 2 The touchdown zone / area minimum size is 100 ft. x 100 ft. A larger area is better The landing site should be clear of people, vehicles, and  obstructions such as    poles, wires, trees, stumps, rocks, posts, livestock, and debris. Keep in mind that wires are very difficult to see from the air, particularly at night. If unsure, advise the pilots of the location and concerns and allow pilots to make the appropriate decision. Consideration 3 Consider the wind direction. Helicopters approach and depart the landing area into the wind. Is the approach and departure path free of obstructions? If there are obstructions, tell the helicopter crew via the radio on first contact. Landing Zone Considerations The TDZ should be located DOWNWIND at least 200-500 feet from the patient care area or scene. The TDZ needs to be far enough away from activity centers so that the rotor wash will not blow dust, snow, debris or supplies around. The TDZ should be far enough away so that the noise of the helicopter will not interfere with communications at the scene. Brief all personnel to NOT APPROACH the helicopter without the permission of the flight crew. Only approach from the DOWN SLOPE side of the aircraft and only with the permission of a Metro Life Flight Pilot. In the Landing Zone Inspect the landing surface Do a walk-around inspection of the area to search and remove any hazards found. Walk through the LZ also, Secure loose items such as dumpster tops, vehicle doors and hoods. Check for loose stones and gravel that might become dislodged by the rotor wash. Wires Wires are the most dangerous hazard of helicopter scene work. They are difficult to see from the air. Search the landing zone area thoroughly for wires. Illuminate the poles instead of the wires. Warn the flight crew of the location of any wires. Wires in the landing zone are unacceptable. Special effort must be made at night to search for wires. Look for poles hidden in stands of trees. Single strand power and telephone lines are difficult to see. Never assume that the flight crew has seen the wires from the air. Night Preparation Night landings require extra diligence by both the flight crew and the ground personnel involved. Landing area preparation and security are paramount. Extra precautions must be made to eliminate hazards that are difficult to detect at night. Preparing the Landing Area Mark the touchdown area with five lights or road flares. Put one in each corner and one forward in the center indicating the wind direction     Marking Obstacles Safely Never shine a light at the approaching aircraft. The destruction of the pilots night vision and the disorientation can have disastrous results. One of the best ways to mark the touchdown zone is to place 4 lights, one in each corner, facing the center of the zone. This draws a large "X" across the zone which can be seen from the air. Place a 5th light source upwind, in the center, to show the wind direction. Roadway Landings If the landing area is a totally unobstructed roadway, the Touchdown Zone may be lighted with the "5" lights as before and two vehicles placed 500 feet apart can be used to show the approach and departure area. Vehicle Lighting Use low silhouette vehicles (car or small truck). Stow or remove any antennas. After the helicopter has landed, turn off the headlights and leave the parking lights or flashers on. After Departure Keep the landing area clear and secure for at least 5 minutes after the helicopter has departed. In the event of an emergency or difficulties, the helicopter may have to return to the secure area. Keep communications open with the departing helicopter.