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.
W A R N I NG
W A R N I NG
Failure to assume proper position
on rescue seat could result in serious
i n j u r y i f h a r d c o n t a c t i s m a d e w i th
aircraft during hoist operation.
A T T A C H M E N T P R O C E D U R E . — T he
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.
RESCUE SEAT OPERATIONAL DIFFI-
CULTIES.— Ensure that the safety strap is on and
that you hold tightly to the flotation chamber. Do
not lean back; it will cause the rescue seat to swing
and tilt away from the rescue hook.
Rescue Seat (Swimmer-Assisted Rescue)
During swimmer-assisted rescues using the
rescue seat, the swimmer uses the following
procedures to attach the survivor to the hoist
cable:
1. After the rescue seat is in the water, faces
the flotation chamber and assists the survivor in
sitting on the seat.
2. Disconnects the safety strap; passes it under
one arm, around the back, under the other arm,
and reconnects the V-ring to the rescue hook.
3. Tightens the strap.
4. Has the survivor wrap his arms around the
flotation chamber.
5. Signals the aircraft “ready for hoist.”
The survivor must not attempt to get
off the rescue seat until directed by the
crewman.
6 . A f t e r t h e s u r v i v o r i s h o i s t e d t o t he
helicopter, the crewman assists the survivor into
the helicopter.
Rescue Net
The rescue net is a simple and safe rescue
device that can be used to hoist two survivors
into a helicopter. It is designed for multiple rescue
scenarios or for rescuing survivors who are
unfamiliar with other rescue devices, such as the
rescue strop or rescue seat. A lifting ring for
hoisting is located at the top or upper portion of
Figure 5-34.—Rescue seat maritime rescue procedure.
5-25
