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Correct behavior during a helicopter mission

16.07.2025

Helicopters are often the means of rescue of choice in the Alpine region – if they are available and the external conditions (weather conditions, daylight, etc.) permit their use. The following is a general overview of how to behave during a helicopter mission, with the most important credo being: “Be visible and accessible!”

Arrow Down White

This article is about:

01

Alerting

If you find yourself in an alpine emergency situation or a group member is injured, you make an emergency call. The control center decides whether to send a helicopter or another rescue vehicle (snowmobile, rescue car, terrestrial rescue). A realistic description of the emergency situation is a prerequisite for this.

The exact location of the accident is particularly important for the call taker at the control center, but if a helicopter is required, this information is even more relevant. “From the air”, the terrain and the situation are different and it must be possible to specify the location as precisely as possible. In this context, the various national and regional emergency call apps that transmit the exact position data (coordinates and altitude) to the control center after activating the emergency call button are highly recommended. If you do not have such an app, you should be able to describe your location as well as possible (e.g.: ski resort XX, ski route YY, just below the ZZ hut, etc.) and specify the altitude. There are already apps installed on every smartphone (compass, etc.) that display the altitude – and usually also the location via coordinates – as well as numerous others that provide the same information (e.g. tour planning, map, avalanche apps, etc.).

The call taker also gives the caller instructions on what to do next. Above all, the control center will instruct him/her to remain reachable by telephone! This is the only way the helicopter crew or the control center can inform the caller in the event of uncertainties, e.g. regarding the accident location or changes to plans (arrival takes longer, a flight is not possible due to the weather situation, etc.).

This means that the calling person’s cell phone must remain switched on, they must also hear when a call comes in and the line must be kept free for such a callback. However, because the cell phone battery quickly loses power in winter due to low temperatures and the ringing can easily be overheard when wearing a helmet and in windy conditions, it is advisable to use the cell phone with a small headset (or to connect it to the headphones/microphone of the helmet). This way, the phone can be kept “warm” and protected in your jacket pocket, you won’t miss a call and your hands will be free to follow the call taker’s first aid instructions.

EXKURS: No callback in third-party network

Note: If you are in an area where the cell phone does not have its own network but only a third-party network, the display will show the message “Only emergency call possible” or similar. In such cases, the emergency call is automatically made via 112, but the person calling cannot be called back! To provide updates or make enquiries, you must therefore dial 112 again.

A smartphone headset (small headphones & microphone) is not only convenient for listening to music, but also makes it easier to make an emergency call because you can hear and speak better even in windy conditions. In addition, the phone can be kept warm and protected in a pocket, which saves battery power. © snow institute | argonaut.pro
02

Preparation

Once the emergency call has been made, use the time to prepare for the arrival of the helicopter.

The injured person is positioned and treated as best as possible. All those involved/present prepare for the landing of the helicopter, with one person taking command (in the slope area this will usually be a professional slope rescuer) and ensuring that …

  • … the caller can still be reached on the phone.
  • … all uninvolved persons leave the scene of the accident.
  • … a person instructs the helicopter (with the wind behind them).
  • … the slope/area is cordoned off accordingly so that no bystanders reach the scene of the accident.
  • … the injured person is protected from downwash on landing by the first aider shielding their head, and their equipment is secured and ready for transportation by helicopter (skis, rucksack etc. are taken by the helicopter).
  • … Instructors/first aiders are prepared for the downwash (put on ski goggles, fasten jacket).
  • … no loose items (skis, rucksack, bivouac sack, rescue blanket, etc.) are lying around, but all equipment that is not on the body is deposited away from the uninvolved group members and secured by them (kneeling on it and holding on).
  • … these group members also prepare for the downwash, i.e. stay put and don’t walk around with their cell phones to film.
  • … avalanche airbag backpacks are deactivated/secured by everyone who comes near the helicopter, as a false deployment in or next to the helicopter can be dangerous.

It is particularly important that there are no loose objects lying around when the helicopter is about to land, as these could be picked up when the helicopter lands and thus pose a danger, and that everyone stays where they are when the helicopter approaches. The pilot will try to land the emergency doctor as close as possible to the casualty, i.e. possibly directly (1 m) next to them. So even if it gets extremely loud and windy, keep calm. Under no circumstances should you panic and run away, as you could come into contact with the rotor in a worst-case scenario.

If you hear the helicopter approaching, make sure you draw attention to yourself! From an aerial perspective, we look very small and are often difficult to recognize. It helps the helicopter crew if you

  • tries to reach a clearing in the forest or positions itself away from groups of trees, etc.
  • wears highly visible clothing (orange, red).
  • The Y sign indicates that you need help.
  • additionally draws attention to yourself with a jacket, bivouac sack or similar items, possibly use a headlamp at dusk.
  • an H in the new fallen snow that is visible from afar, provided you have enough resources to do so.

If you are spotted by the helicopter crew, the pilot will take a look at the situation from above and decide whether to land or to take off again and look for an intermediate landing site in order to attach the medical crew to the rope and drop them off at the accident site via the rope after a few minutes. So don’t worry if the helicopter takes off again for a short time.

EXCURSE: No-signs

If a crew is looking for the “right” accident location in an area where several people/groups are on the move, it is extremely helpful if all those who do not need help signal this with the No sign. So please do not wave or behave passively, but signal a clear N with your arms.

Suchbild: trotz roter Jacken und korrektem Yes-Zeichen ist die Gruppe aus dem Hubschrauber auch bei bester Sicht nicht leicht auszumachen. © snow institute | argonaut.pro
Suchbild: trotz roter Jacken und korrektem Yes-Zeichen ist die Gruppe aus dem Hubschrauber auch bei bester Sicht nicht leicht auszumachen. © snow institute | argonaut.pro
Clear signs for the helicopter crew: Of the three groups, the front group does not need any help (no sign) and the back group clearly does (yes sign) - only the middle group cannot be assessed. © snow institute | argonaut.pro
Clear signs for the helicopter crew: Of the three groups, the front group does not need any help (no sign) and the back group clearly does (yes sign) - only the middle group cannot be assessed. © snow institute | argonaut.pro
Suchbild: trotz roter Jacken und korrektem Yes-Zeichen ist die Gruppe aus dem Hubschrauber auch bei bester Sicht nicht leicht auszumachen. © snow institute | argonaut.pro
Suchbild: trotz roter Jacken und korrektem Yes-Zeichen ist die Gruppe aus dem Hubschrauber auch bei bester Sicht nicht leicht auszumachen. © snow institute | argonaut.pro
Suchbild: trotz roter Jacken und korrektem Yes-Zeichen ist die Gruppe aus dem Hubschrauber auch bei bester Sicht nicht leicht auszumachen. © snow institute | argonaut.pro
Suchbild: trotz roter Jacken und korrektem Yes-Zeichen ist die Gruppe aus dem Hubschrauber auch bei bester Sicht nicht leicht auszumachen. © snow institute | argonaut.pro
Suchbild: trotz roter Jacken und korrektem Yes-Zeichen ist die Gruppe aus dem Hubschrauber auch bei bester Sicht nicht leicht auszumachen. © snow institute | argonaut.pro
Suchbild: trotz roter Jacken und korrektem Yes-Zeichen ist die Gruppe aus dem Hubschrauber auch bei bester Sicht nicht leicht auszumachen. © snow institute | argonaut.pro
03

Instruct

The pilot can only fly “by sight” and is therefore dependent on a guide in wintry terrain. This person serves as a visual reference point to the surroundings in the event of diffuse visibility, snowfall or snow whirled up by the downwash when landing. If the wind is blowing, the guide positions themselves so that their broad ridge is facing the wind and the helicopter can land against the wind direction.

This guide is therefore an important reference point and must not leave their position. If the helicopter comes closer and closer during landing, the guide should kneel down on the spot and support themselves well so as not to be blown over by the downwash.

The guide remains in this position until someone from the crew makes contact and gives further instructions.

All other parties involved will also remain at their locations.

04

Further behavior

You then follow the crew’s instructions and support them as best you can.

Information about any pre-existing illnesses or allergies may be relevant for the emergency doctor. Especially in the case of serious injuries, it would be important to know whether blood-thinning medication is being taken, for example. Whether with peers or parents – when freeriding together or on a ski tour, all group members should know about any relevant medical history. Otherwise, the telephone number of a parent or relative of the person involved in the accident is helpful so that the emergency services can ask them.

In the case of injured children, a parent or other caregiver is involved in the care and, if possible, flown to the hospital.

The crew can be supported not only with information about the injured person, but depending on the situation, active help may also be required:

  • during positioning on the vacuum mattress and when packing the injured person into the rescue bag,
  • when transporting the mountain bag into the helicopter,
  • resuscitate or continue chest compressions while the doctor ventilates and the crew prepares for monitoring or evacuation,
  • to prevent the injured person/emergency equipment from slipping off in steep deep snow.

The injured person’s equipment (skis, poles, rucksack) is usually taken by the helicopter. Before take-off, it is also important not to forget anything “organizational” (patient has car/room/locker box key, etc.).

In emergency situations in open terrain, later in the afternoon, when a traumatic event has occurred for the group, the “uninjured” group members may be offered the opportunity to fly them out as well in order to save themselves the trip down (and to prevent them from getting into an emergency situation as well). Such offers should be considered and, if in doubt, accepted. Such a flight is usually not carried out by an emergency helicopter, but by another aircraft (in Austria often a police helicopter).

COSTS: If you are on the piste and off-piste in open terrain, you should have appropriate rescue cost insurance to cover the costs of a helicopter rescue. The young people themselves, legal guardians, instructors, ski guides etc. should check in advance whether each group member has such insurance cover so that decisions are not delayed in an emergency situation due to supposed costs. Many season tickets include such insurance, as do memberships in alpine clubs, accident insurance, etc.

Helicopter rescue procedure

after a fall in open terrain on a variant descent. A freerider fell into a remote valley on the last descent of the day. The bindings did not open, he*she complained of pain in both knee joints and feared tearing several ligaments due to previous injuries (which was confirmed in hospital). Due to the advanced time of day and the long descent into the valley, including an approx. 8 km long, rough, hard frozen forest road, as well as the last reliable point of a mobile phone connection, the group decided to make an emergency call. The control center sent a rescue helicopter and stated that it would arrive at the scene of the accident in about 15 minutes.

Nach knappen drei Minuten startet der Hubschrauber und fliegt den Patienten ins nächste Krankenhaus, die Gruppe schützt sich vor dem Downwash des Starts, sammelt sich und beginnt mit der Abfahrt ins Tal. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Nach knappen drei Minuten startet der Hubschrauber und fliegt den Patienten ins nächste Krankenhaus, die Gruppe schützt sich vor dem Downwash des Starts, sammelt sich und beginnt mit der Abfahrt ins Tal. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Das übrige Material wird von den restlichen Gruppenmitgliedern abseits des Landeplatzes gesichert. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Das übrige Material wird von den restlichen Gruppenmitgliedern abseits des Landeplatzes gesichert. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Der Hubschrauber ist in Sicht- und Hörweite. Nun signalisiert der Einweiser das Yes-Zeichen, die Ausrüstung ist gesichert und ein Dritter (gelbe Jacke) wurde vom Hubschrauber via Telefon kontaktiert und kommuniziert mit dem Einweiser. © snow Institut I argonaut.pro
Der Hubschrauber ist in Sicht- und Hörweite. Nun signalisiert der Einweiser das Yes-Zeichen, die Ausrüstung ist gesichert und ein Dritter (gelbe Jacke) wurde vom Hubschrauber via Telefon kontaktiert und kommuniziert mit dem Einweiser. © snow Institut I argonaut.pro
Nachdem der*die Pilot*in eine Übersichtsrunde geflogen ist, setzt der Hubschrauber zur Landung an, der Einweiser bereitet sich auf den Downwash vor, ist in die Knie gegangen, verlässt aber seine Position nicht. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Nachdem der*die Pilot*in eine Übersichtsrunde geflogen ist, setzt der Hubschrauber zur Landung an, der Einweiser bereitet sich auf den Downwash vor, ist in die Knie gegangen, verlässt aber seine Position nicht. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Der Hubschrauber ist unmittelbar neben dem Einweiser/Patienten gelandet. Alle bleiben an Ort und Stelle, bis die Crew Kontakt aufnimmt. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Der Hubschrauber ist unmittelbar neben dem Einweiser/Patienten gelandet. Alle bleiben an Ort und Stelle, bis die Crew Kontakt aufnimmt. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Notarzt und Flugretter erkundigen sich nach dem Unfallereignis, checken den Patienten und helfen ihm beim Einsteigen in die Kabine. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Notarzt und Flugretter erkundigen sich nach dem Unfallereignis, checken den Patienten und helfen ihm beim Einsteigen in die Kabine. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Der Flugretter verlädt die Ausrüstung des Patienten und steigt in die Maschine ein, die Gruppenmitglieder begeben sich zu ihren Kollegen. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Der Flugretter verlädt die Ausrüstung des Patienten und steigt in die Maschine ein, die Gruppenmitglieder begeben sich zu ihren Kollegen. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Nach knappen drei Minuten startet der Hubschrauber und fliegt den Patienten ins nächste Krankenhaus, die Gruppe schützt sich vor dem Downwash des Starts, sammelt sich und beginnt mit der Abfahrt ins Tal. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
Nach knappen drei Minuten startet der Hubschrauber und fliegt den Patienten ins nächste Krankenhaus, die Gruppe schützt sich vor dem Downwash des Starts, sammelt sich und beginnt mit der Abfahrt ins Tal. © snow institute I argonaut.pro
05

Conclusion

Anyone can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, make a mistake or simply have bad luck. Whether it’s an orientation problem, injury or avalanche, it’s important to get professional rescue to the scene of the emergency as quickly as possible, and helicopters are the means of choice today.

During a helicopter mission, it is important to remain reachable by phone, draw attention to yourself and support the helicopter crew as best as possible during landing and in their work.

A well-organized and “tidy” emergency scene makes the operation easier and enables a quick and efficient process. You should take every opportunity to have a helicopter crew tell and show you more about their work.

TAKE AWAY: The most important message during a helicopter mission is: "Be visible and reachable!"

Cover picture: © snow institute | argonaut.pro

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