RESCUE DEVICES AND PROCEDURES

Rescue operations will normally be accomplished by helicopter and involve either maritime (sea) or land conditions. In this chapter we will cover only maritime rescue.

Potential survivors should be aware that, in most cases, the helicopter will first mark the location of the survivor. The pilot will fly the helicopter directly over the survivor and then fly it away from the survivor's position. At this time one to three marine markers (flares) or electric sea marker lights will be dropped prior to the start of the _{rescue pattern.} The survivor should take caution not to touch the markers, as they can be dangerous.

A naval helicopter assigned to operate as a rescue vehicle over water will have a rescue swimmer as a crewman. When the rescue swimmer is deployed, the survivor should remain

Figure 5-24.\Rescue hook.

Figure 5-25.\Attaching the rescue hook to the gated D-ring.

in the life raft and await instruction from the swimmer.

The aviator and the aircrewman must be familiar with a number of rescue devices to ensure a successful rescue. These devices are covered in the Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 3 & 2, volume 1, NAVEDTRA 10328. In this chapter we will discuss the use of the various rescue devices.

In each case when a Navy helicopter is the rescue vehicle, the Navy rescue swimmer will be employed to effect the rescue. Follow the swimmer's instructions and do not assist his efforts unless directed by him to do so. Because other SAR forces may not employ a rescue swimmer to assist survivors, this text will explain procedures for assisted and unassisted rescue using the following rescue devices.

Rescue Hook

The rescue hook is the primary rescue device (fig. 5-24). All other rescue devices can only be used with the double rescue hook. In accordance with Aviation Crew Systems Rescue and Survival Equipment, NAVAIR 13-1-6.5, the large hook, rated at 3000 pounds, shall be the only hook used to hoist personnel; the small hook, rated at 1000 pounds, is to be used only for lightweight items such as mail. The equipment ring, rated at 1000 pounds, can be used to hoist light equipment and mail.

Hoisting personnel by the equipment ring or small hook can lead to failure of the ring or hook and can result in injury or death of hoisted personnel.

When wet and cold, an individual may have difficulty handling the latch on the rescue hook. However, by pushing down on the latch with the gated D-ring, you will force the latch open on either the hook or the gated D-ring (fig. 5-25).

Rescue Swimmer's Harness

During swimmer-assisted rescues, the swimmer's harness may be used to attach the survivor to the hoist cable. When the rescue swimmer's harness is selected as the rescue lifting device, the rescue swimmer uses the following procedure:

1. He approaches the survivor from the rear and pulls the chest strap from the pocket of the rescue harness.

NOTE: When connecting to a survivor who has an SV-2 vest, he ensures that the chest strap on the survivor is loosened slightly to avoid injury. If the survivor is wearing an integrated torso harness, he uses extreme caution to ensure that the gated D-rings are not disconnected before hoisting.

2. Connects the gated D-ring of the rescue swimmers harness to the survivors lifting device. The connection of the survivor's lifting device to the rescue hook will negate the survivor's quick release feature of the swimmer's harness.

3. Signals the aircraft "ready for pickup." When the rescue hook is lowered in the water, connects the lifting V-ring of the rescue swimmer's harness to the large rescue hook.

4. Signals the aircraft "ready for hoist."

NOTE: If the survivor is wearing an integrated torso harness, the swimmer ensures that the gated D-rings are not disconnected before hoisting. Upon reaching the aircraft door opening and while bringing in the survivor, he ensures that the gated D-rings do not twist and inadvertently disconnect.

5. Upon clearing the water, he places his arms and legs around the survivor.

6. The rescue swimmer and survivor are hoisted up to the helicopter. After reaching the helicopter, the rescue swimmer assists the survivor into the helicopter.

Rescue Strop (Unassisted Rescue)

The rescue strop (sometimes called the horse collar or rescue sling) (fig. 5-26) is lowered attached to the rescue hook. The following is a step-by-step procedure for the survivor to don the strop and attach the rescue hoist:

1. Stand by as the rescue device is lowered.

WARNING

Do not touch the rescue device until after the hook makes contact with the water. This prevents any electrical shock that may occur because of static electricity buildup in the rescue device.

2. Swim to the rescue device. Grasp the free end of the rescue strop with your right hand and rotate your body clockwise, as shown in figure

Figure 5-26.\Rescue strop (horse collar).

5-27, until the rescue strop is wrapped around your body.

3. Attach the V-ring on the strop to the rescue hook, as shown in figure 5-28.

4. Grasp the two pull tabs of the retainer straps (fig. 5-29) and pull the straps out. Attach the quick-ejector snap hook to the V-ring and pull the strop tightly across your chest.

5. Ensure that the rescue strop is above the LPA/LPU waist lobes and high on your back. Give a thumbs-up signal to the hoist operator. Wrap your arms around the collar and keep your head down.

6. Upon clearing the water, cross your feet as shown in figure 5-30 and remain in this position until you are inside the helicopter.

Figure 5-27.\Grasping the rescue strop.

Figure 5-28.\Attacbing the V-ring.

Figure 5-29.\Removing the pull tabs.

Figure 5-30.\Hoisting the survivor's sling.

NOTE: Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to assist with your entry into the helicopter.