(1) The Blackhawk with MEDEVAC kit installed normally transports four
litter casualties (two on each side) and one ambulatory casualty or seven ambulatory
casualties or a mixed load of two litter casualties and four ambulatory casualties. In the
four-litter configuration, the top litter pan on each side can be tilted to make loading and
unloading litters easier.
(2) The MEDEVAC kit also allows for additional litter casualties when
needed. This configuration allows for six litter casualties (three on each side) and one
ambulatory casualty or a mixed load of three litter casualties and four ambulatory
casualties. In the six-litter configuration, the litter pans cannot be tilted.
b. Medical Evacuation Kit with Internal Rescue Hoist. When an internal
rescue hoist is used with the MEDEVAC kit, the casualty holding capacity of the air
ambulance is reduced. The use of the internal rescue hoist is discussed in Section IV of
this lesson.
(1) The normal (four-litter) configuration is reduced to two litter casualties
and one ambulatory casualty or four ambulatory casualties.
(2) The six-litter configuration is reduced to three litter casualties and one
ambulatory casualty or four ambulatory casualties.
5-5.
LOADING LITTER CASUALTIES INTO THE BLACKHAWK AIR AMBULANCE
a. Four-Litter Configuration. Use a four-man litter squad to load litter
casualties. If one squad is used, load the upper right pan first, then the upper left pan,
then the lower right pan, and finally the lower left pan (most seriously injured casualty).
If two litter squads are available, litter casualties can be loaded on both sides
simultaneously, beginning with the upper pan and then the lower pan. Some general
instructions for loading casualties are given below.
(1) Rotate the litter support unit 90o clockwise to make loading litters easier.
(This action is normally performed by the helicopter flight crew.)
(2) Lower the top litter pan on each side (figure 5-2). (This action is
normally performed by the flight crew.)
(3)
Carry the litter casualty to the helicopter using a four-man carry.
(4) Raise the litter to the level of the upper litter pan and place the stirrups at
the end of the litter on the litter pan. Make sure the casualty is loaded so the casualty's
head will be toward the front of the helicopter when the litter support assembly is
returned to its normal position.
(5) Slide the litter forward until the litter stirrups of both ends are secured on
the litter pan. (The flight crew can help guide the litter and secure the litter as illustrated
in figure 5-3.)
MD0001
5-5