RESCUE STROP (Horse Collar) (Swimmer-Assisted Rescue)

When the rescue strop (horse collar) is used during swimmer-assisted rescues, the rescue swimmer uses the following procedure to attach the survivor to the hoist cable:

1. From the survivor's front, passes the free end of the rescue strop under one arm, around the back, and under the other arm.

2. Reconnects the V-ring to the rescue hook.

3. Pulls both retainer straps free and connects the quick ejector of one strap to the V-ring of the other strap and pulls them tight. 

. If the survivor is wearing the Imperial dry suit, the retainer straps cannot be connected because of the bulky configuration of the dry suit and SV-2A survival vest with LPA.

4. Has the survivor fold his arms across the chest.

5. Signals the aircraft "ready for hoist."

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

Forest Penetrator

The forest penetrator, shown in figure 5-31, is used to assist rescue personnel in both land and

Figure 5-31.\Forest penetrator shown with flotation collar, seats, and safety straps extended.

sea rescue operations and is designed to accommodate one, two, or three survivors at a time; however, one at a time is best for entrance into the helicopter. During land rescue, the forest penetrator is lowered to the survivor with the three seats in the retracted position; during sea rescue, it is lowered with the flotation collar installed, a safety strap hanging free, and the three seats in the retracted position. In this configuration, the penetrator will float with its top 6 inches above the surface of the water.

The following is a step-by-step procedure for the survivor to safely use the forest penetrator:

1. Lower the visor on your helmet as you wait for the rescue device to enter the water.

2. Swim to the forest penetrator and lower one of the three seats. Sit on the lowered seat facing the flotation collar.

3. Grasp the free end of the safety strap and pass it around your body. Attach the adjustable quick-ejector snap to the forest penetrator and tighten the strap as shown in figure 5-32.

4. Give a thumbs-up signal to the hoist operator. As you are lifted from the water, put your arms around the penetrator and tuck your head down.

Forest Penetrator With Flotation Collar (Swimmer-Assisted Rescue)

During swimmer-assisted rescues using the forest penetrator with flotation collar, the

Figure 5-32.\Attaching the forest penetrator.

swimmer uses the following procedure to attach the survivor to the hoist cable:

1. After the penetrator is in the water, pulls down a seat for the survivor to sit on, facing the penetrator.

2. Disconnects a safety strap, passes it under the survivor's arm, around the back, and under the other arm. Reconnects the strap and tightens it.

3. Has the survivor wrap his arms around the penetrator.

4. Signals the aircraft "ready for hoist."

5. After the survivor is hoisted to the helicopter, the crewman assists the survivor into the helicopter.

Rescue Seat

The rescue seat can be used to lower and hoist personnel performing rescue operations from a helicopter over land or water. The rescue seat is designed to accommodate one survivor at a time. It is a buoyant aluminum device consisting of a hollow flotation chamber, a three-pronged seat, and a safety strap (fig. 5-33).

Figure 5-33.\Rescue seat.

The rescue seat is an optional rescue device and is not normally carried by all rescue-capable helicopters. However, it is a suitable substitute for the forest penetrator for some applications.

WARNING

Failure to assume proper position on rescue seat could result in serious injury if hard contact is made with aircraft during hoist operation.

ATTACHMENT PROCEDURE.\ The following is an attachment sequence for the rescue seat:

1. Swim to the rescue seat. Draw it to you and position one of the three flukes of the seat between your legs.

2. Disconnect the snap hook of the safety strap from the V-ring, pull the safety strap free, pass it under your arm, around your back, and under the other arm; then reconnect the V-ring to the snap hook and tighten the strap.

3. Give a thumbs-up hand signal to the hoist operator, put your head down to the left, and wrap your arms around the rescue seat. Upon clearing the water, cross your legs as shown in figure 5-34.