ASTM F2958-14(2019)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2958 − 14 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Guide for
Helicopter Inland Search and Rescue (SAR) Technician
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2958; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope F1591 Practice for Visual Signals Between Persons on the
Ground and in Aircraft During Ground Emergencies
1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training standard
F1633 Guide for Techniques in Land Search (Withdrawn
for a helicopter inland search and rescue technician (hereafter
2017)
known as Helicopter SAR Technician) with focus on the
F1739 Guide for Performance of a Water Rescuer—Level I
general, field, and search and rescue specific knowledge, skills,
F1846 Practice for Symbols and Markings for Use With
and abilities needed to function as a member of the crew with
Land Search Maps
a helicopter in support of an inland search and rescue opera-
F2209 Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
tion.
F2685 Guide for Training of a Land Search Team Leader
1.2 This guide is focused on inland, non-oceanic areas of
(STL)
operation, including flood and swiftwater rescue operations.
F2751 Guide for Training of a Land Search and Rescue
Team Member
1.3 This guide is focused on persons functioning as a
crewmemberwithhelicoptersonly;nofixed-wingedoperations
3. Terminology
are included.
3.1 Acronyms:
1.4 General,field,andsearchandrescuespecificknowledge
3.1.1 AGL—Above Ground Level
and skills related to inland search and rescue are found in the
followingreferencedASTMdocuments:F1591,F1633,F1739, 3.1.2 AHJ—Authority Having Jurisdiction
F1846, F2209, F2685, and F2751. The training identified in
3.1.3 ANVIS—Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging System
this guide supplements and enhances the search and rescue
3.1.4 CRM—Crew Resource Management
technician’s existing training, knowledge, and skills.
3.1.5 FLIR—Forward Looking Infra-Red
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.6 HEED—Helicopter Emergency Egress Device
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.7 HELP—Heat Escape Lessening Posture
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.8 HS—HeliSpot
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.9 HUET—Helicopter Underwater Egress
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.10 LZ—Landing Zone
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.11 PCDS—Personnel Carrying Device System
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.12 PFD—Personal Flotation Device
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.13 PPE—Personal Protective Equipment
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.14 SAR—Search and Rescue
2. Referenced Documents
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.1 altitude, n—the height expressed in units of distance
aboveareferenceplane,usuallyabovemeansealevelorabove
ground level.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search
and Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.03 on Personnel,
3.2.2 authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), n—an
Training and Education.
organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
requirements of a code or standard, or for approving
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F2958 – 14. DOI:
equipment, materials, and installation or procedure.
10.1520/F2958-14R19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2958 − 14 (2019)
3.2.3 crewmember, n—an individual assigned a duty in a 3.2.16 trail line/tag line, n—cord or line manipulated from
helicopter during flight time. the ground used to control and guide rescue equipment to the
helicopter during hoisting operations.
3.2.4 crew resource management (CRM), n—a method for
addressing the challenge of optimizing the human/machine
4. Significance and Use
interface and accompanying interpersonal activities to include
4.1 This guide establishes the minimum standard for train-
activities which may include team building, information
ing a Helicopter SAR Technician, who is a crewmember with
sharing, problem solving, decision making, and maintaining
focus on the general, field, and search and rescue specific
situational awareness. CRM is the use of all available
knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to function within a
resources, information, equipment, and people to achieve safe
helicopter in support of an inland search and rescue operation.
and efficient flight operations.
A person trained to this guide shall be recognized as a
3.2.5 emergency, n—(a) life-threatening—a situation or oc-
Helicopter SAR Technician crewmember.
currence of a serious nature, developing suddenly and unex-
4.2 Every person who is identified as a Helicopter SAR
pectedly and demanding immediate action to prevent loss of
Technician shall meet the requirements of this guide.
life. (b) operational—an unforeseen combination of circum-
stances that calls for immediate action, but not life-threatening.
4.3 This guide is to be used by individuals and authorities
3.2.6 external load, n—a load that is carried, or extends, having jurisdiction (AHJs) that wish to identify the minimum
training standards for Helicopter SAR Technician.
outside of the aircraft fuselage.
3.2.7 flightcrew member, n—means a pilot, flight engineer,
4.4 This guide is the first level of training for Helicopter
or flight navigator assigned to duty in an aircraft during flight SAR Ttechnician and as such, only establishes the minimum
time.
knowledge and skills required to perform during helicopter
operations.
3.2.8 ground visibility, n—prevailing horizontal visibility
near the earth’s surface as reported by the United States
4.5 This guide by itself is not a training document. It is an
National Weather Service or an accredited observer.
outline of the topics required for training or evaluating a
Helicopter SAR Technician, and it can be used to develop a
3.2.9 helicopter, n—means a rotorcraft that, for its horizon-
training document or program.
tal motion, depends principally on its engine-driven rotors.
3.2.10 helicopter SAR crew chief, n—an individual respon- 4.6 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with
the referenced documents to provide the specific information
sible for all operations and equipment starting from behind the
flight deck within the helicopter and under the supervision of needed by a Helicopter SAR Technician.
the pilot or co-pilot.
4.7 Though this guide establishes the minimum standards, it
3.2.11 helicopter SAR technician, n—a member of the flight does not imply that a Helicopter SAR Technician is “in
crew that conducts tasks as planned and assigned by the training,” “on probation,” or in any other similarAHJ member
helicopter SAR crew chief. status. It is up to the AHJ to determine the requirements and
qualifications for member ratings.
3.2.12 HELP position, n—heat escape lessening posture
(HELP) is a single subject water rescue technique for heat
4.8 The knowledge, skills, and abilities requirements pre-
conservation when immersed in cold water. This technique
sented in the following sections are not presented in any
conserves heat by using personal flotation devices, clothing,
particular order and do not represent any specific training
and body posture to limit exposure of the body’s major heat
sequence.
loss areas to the cold water.
4.9 A Helicopter SAR Technician shall meet the ASTM
3.2.13 marshal, helicopter, n—a person on the ground
standardsfortheenvironmentsforwhichthetechnicianwillbe
responsible for communicating with and guiding the helicopter
working and shall be able to interface with ground SAR
to a landing zone or HeliSpot.
resources.
4.9.1 In order to operate safely around or in a given
3.2.14 personal flotation device (PFD), n—abuoyantdevice
suitable for use by one subject in water emergencies. These sub-environment within this area of specialization (Helicopter
SAR Technician), the AHJ shall consider the applicability of
devices may be vests, ring buoys, life preservers, cushions, and
other special purpose buoyant devices. requiring additional knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to
a problem, hazard, technical challenge or environment.
3.2.15 rescue strop, n—an item of equipment that is fitted
around the patient, under the arms and across the back and
5. General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
secured in front of the chest to secure the patient to a rescue
5.1 The Helicopter SARTechnician shall be able to explain:
line or helicopter hoist cable.
5.1.1 The organization’s operational structure.
5.1.2 The overview and philosophy of a helicopter SAR
mission.
Aviation Training Glossary, https://www.iat.gov/Training/pages/online.asp;
14CFR1.1: FAA Definitions.
5.1.3 The general tactics related to aerial search and rescue
Federal Aviation Administration, https://www.faa.gov; Section II.8.5 Crew
operations.
Resource Management.
5.1.4 The environmental knowledge commensurate with the
Federal Aviation Administration, DOT, 14CFR1.1 — Definitions and Abbre-
viations. operating area.
F2958 − 14 (2019)
5.1.5 The regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines 5.7 A Helicopter SAR Technician shall participate in and
with regard to helicopter technician training. explain the purpose of the initial operational briefing and
demonstrate the ability to provide a safety briefing for passen-
5.2 The Helicopter SAR Technician shall have the ability to
gers.
be deployed and retrieved by helicopter based on type of
5.8 A Helicopter SAR Technician shall understand the
aircraft used, equipment and agency policies, procedures, and
general concepts related to risk assessment and management of
guidelines. These tactics may include external load operations.
a helicopter operation, including:
5.2.1 Demonstrates proper use of hand signals (see X1.7 for
5.8.1 The general concepts of CRM.
example).
5.8.2 The general concepts of flight physiology.
5.2.2 Demonstrates appropriate movements in aircraft cabin
5.8.3 The general concepts of aerospace physiology at the
while in flight.
awareness level, including physiological effects on the human
5.3 A Helicopter SAR Technician shall explain the purpose
body, and the normal area of operation.
of and demonstrate the function of the following rescue
5.8.4 The general concepts related to high altitude opera-
equipment:
tions and physiology.
5.3.1 Helicopter SAR Technician harness (personnel carry-
5.8.5 The concepts related to fatigue management.
ing device system (PCDS)).
5.8.6 The general concepts related to night adaptation.
5.3.2 Subject rescue adjuncts (subject harnesses, strops,
5.8.7 The general concepts related to spatial disorientation.
litters, baskets).
5.8.8 The general concepts related to aircraft performance
5.3.3 Tether straps (travel restraint).
during extreme hot/cold temperatures.
5.3.4 Carabiners, snap hooks, and other applicable hard-
5.8.9 The general concepts of how weather impacts a
ware.
helicopter operation such as storms, fog, rain, clouds, and
wind.
5.3.5 Operation of doors, seat belts, and hatches.
5.8.10 The general knowledge, skills, and abilities neces-
5.3.6 Inspection of all applicable search and rescue helicop-
sarytosurviveintheoperationalenvironmentbefore,duringor
ter equipment.
after an event that requires an individual to perform survival
5.3.7 Explaintheuseofvisionenhancingequipmentinclud-
skills to preserve personal life and limb.
ing but not limited to Electro Optical, Forward Looking
Infra-Red (FLIR), andAviator’s Night Vision Imaging System
5.9 A Helicopter SAR Technician shall be able to demon-
(ANVIS).
strate the following subject management procedures and skills:
5.9.1 Direct a ground rescue crew to the subject’s location.
5.4 The Helicopter SAR Ttechnician shall explain the need
5.9.2 Prioritize subjects in the event of a multi-casualty
for and demonstrate the use of Personal Protective Equipment
event.
(PPE) for flight operations to include at a minimum:
5.9.3 Proper subject extraction.
5.4.1 Fire resistant clothing (flight suit).
5.9.4 Single/multiple subject recovery into cabin area dur-
5.4.2 Fire resistant gloves.
ing operations.
5.4.3 Fire resistant boots.
5.9.5 Proper securing of subject inside aircraft during trans-
5.4.4 Active/passive hearing protection.
port.
5.4.5 Approved helicopter flight helmet.
5.9.6 Facilitate subject management during external load
5.4.6 Personal equipment (survival). See X1.8 for a list of
operations as well as during other types of retrieval.
suggested survival equipment for individuals.
5.9.7 Proper subject management in extraction procedures
5.4.7 Clothing appropriate for anticipated weather condi- including subject’s located on cliffs, on slopes or in trees.
tions.
5.9.8 Use of a trail line/tag line.
5.5 A Helicopter SAR Technician shall demonstrate the 5.10 A Helicopter SAR Technician shall be able to explain
abilitytocoordinateamissionwiththeflightcrewbasedonthe and demonstrate the general concepts related to
specific incident and the related needs, including: communications, including:
5.10.1 Radio procedures, protocols, and systems.
5.5.1 Participate in developing a plan for accomplishing the
mission in the most efficient and safe manner. 5.10.2 Operate the radio equipment.
5.10.3 Relay position coordinates by radio using the appro-
5.5.2 Assist flight crew with aircraft configuration.
priate datum/format.
5.5.3 Identify and mitigate flight and mission hazards.
5.10.4 Receive position coordinates by radio.
5.5.4 Explain fuel consumption with regards to aircraft
5.10.5 Plot coordinates and assist pilot in navigating and
endurance and limits for safe landing.
locating destination.
5.6 A Helicopter SAR Technician shall assist crew chief/
5.10.6 Ensure assigned aircraft and personal radios are
pilot in preparing cargo load and have knowledge of:
functional prior to commencing daily operations.
5.6.1 Emergency procedures.
5.10.7 Check/change batteries.
5.6.2 Special mission requirements.
5.10.8 Perform radio check with personnel or aircraft on
5.6.3 Hazardous materials. deck.
F2958 − 14 (2019)
5.11 AHelicopterSARTechnicianshallbeabletoconstruct 5.12.6 Assist with crash rescue procedures.
and prepare landing areas, Landing Zone (LZ) or HeliSpot
5.13 AHelicopter SAR Technician shall have the following
(HS):
inland over water operations knowledge, skills, and abilities:
5.11.1 Determine predominant wind direction and provide
5.13.1 If tasked with conducting over water rescue opera-
indicator (for example, wind sock, flagging tape).
tions the Helicopter SAR Technician shall have water rescue
5.11.2 Demonstrate how to set up clear approach and
training (refer to Guide F1739) in addition to other specialized
departure paths.
water training.
5.11.3 Identify and advise pilot of any hazard on the ground
5.13.2 BetrainedinHelicopterUnderwaterEgress(HUET).
or in the air (for example, wires, towers, fences).
5.13.3 Demonstrate the use of a PFD.
5.11.4 Determine if the terrain is sloping and whether or not
5.13.4 Have training in the use of Helicopter Emergency
the angle is within acceptable limits. Advise accordingly.
Egress Device (HEED) breathing systems.
5.11.5 Explain the inherent risks associated with a LZ
5.13.5 Show the location and demonstrate the use of crew
situated in snow.
survival equipment.
5.12 A Helicopter SAR Technician shall be able to act as a
5.14 A Helicopter SAR Technician shall be able to demon-
helicopter marshal in a LZ or HS and demonstrate and/or
strate general SAR training topics (refer to Guides F1633 and
explain the following:
F2209), including:
5.12.1 Use appropriate hand signals.
5.14.1 Properly inspect/use all applicable
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