What should you do before approaching a helicopter?

Before approaching a helicopter, it is crucial to wait for a signal from the pilot or crew chief. This protocol ensures safety, as helicopters can create dangerous wind vortices and noise that may impair your ability to hear or see essential signals. The pilot or crew chief are in control of the situation and can assess the safety of the environment, ensuring that it is safe for personnel to approach. Making sure everyone is properly briefed and given the go-ahead minimizes the risk of injury from rotor blades or unexpected helicopter movements.

While other actions may seem logical, they can pose safety risks. Running toward a helicopter could lead to accidents or injuries from the rotor wash or if the helicopter suddenly begins to lift off. Approaching from the front might not be advisable, as the rotor blades can be obscured, increasing the risk of striking them. Ensuring the helicopter is on the ground is important, but it doesn’t account for the necessity of waiting for the crew's signal, which is essential in high-stress situations like search and rescue operations.