Surviving the Unthinkable: Your Guide to Helicopter Crash Survival
The idea of a helicopter crash is terrifying, but knowing what to do can significantly increase your chances of survival. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and actionable steps to take if you ever find yourself in such a dire situation. While thankfully rare, preparation is key, and understanding the dynamics of a helicopter crash is the first step towards staying calm and making life-saving decisions.
Understanding Helicopter Crash Dynamics
Helicopter crashes can vary greatly depending on the cause, altitude, terrain, and the type of helicopter. However, there are commonalities in the forces experienced and the immediate aftermath. The primary dangers include impact forces, fire, and disorientation. Knowing this helps frame the essential actions you need to take.
Before the Crash (If Possible)
In the incredibly rare event that the pilot has time to warn passengers of an impending crash, follow these immediate instructions:
- Listen to the Pilot: The pilot is your primary source of information and instruction. Pay absolute attention to their commands.
- Brace Position: Assume the brace position immediately. This typically involves leaning forward, placing your head as low as possible, and crossing your arms to protect your head and neck. Some recommend placing one hand over the back of your head and the other over your forehead, or interlocking fingers behind your head.
- Seatbelt Tightness: Ensure your seatbelt is as tight as possible. This is your primary restraint against violent forces.
- Remove Loose Items: If there's time, and it doesn't compromise your brace position, secure or remove any loose objects that could become projectiles.
During the Crash
The impact itself is a chaotic event. Your goal is to minimize injury during these critical seconds.
- Stay Braced: Maintain your brace position with all your might. Do not try to stand or move.
- Close Your Eyes/Protect Your Face: If possible, close your eyes to prevent debris from entering them. Shielding your face with your arms is crucial.
- Expect Multiple Impacts: A crash is rarely a single event. Be prepared for subsequent impacts and jolts as the helicopter comes to a complete stop.
Immediately After the Crash: The Golden Minutes
The seconds and minutes immediately following the crash are often referred to as the "golden minutes" because quick, decisive action can be critical for survival. Fire is a major concern, as is the potential for the helicopter to roll or even explode.
- Stay Calm and Assess: Take a deep breath and try to remain as calm as possible. Assess yourself for injuries and the condition of those around you.
- Unbuckle Your Seatbelt: Once the initial impact has ceased and the helicopter is stable (or as stable as it can be), unbuckle your seatbelt. This may be difficult due to damage or disorientation.
- Beware of Fire: If you smell smoke or see flames, this is an immediate evacuation priority.
- Exit Quickly and Safely:
- Locate Exits: Identify all available exits. These might include doors or windows.
- Open Doors/Windows: If doors are jammed, windows may be your only option.
- Move Away from Fuel Sources: If possible, exit on the side opposite to any visible fuel leaks or potential fire.
- Assist Others (If Able): If you are uninjured and able, help others who may be injured or disoriented.
- Move Away from the Wreckage: Once outside, move at least 100 yards (about the length of a football field) away from the helicopter. This is crucial to avoid potential secondary explosions or fires.
- Administer First Aid: If you have any first aid knowledge and supplies, attend to serious injuries among survivors. Control bleeding, and immobilize suspected fractures.
- Stay Together: Keep the group of survivors together. This makes it easier for rescuers to find you and provides mutual support.
- Signal for Help: If you have any signaling devices (whistle, mirror, brightly colored clothing), use them to attract attention.
What NOT to Do
Certain actions can be detrimental to your survival:
- Don't Panic: Panic clouds judgment and leads to poor decisions.
- Don't Smoke: The risk of igniting fuel vapors is extremely high.
- Don't Try to Retrieve Belongings: Your life is far more valuable than any personal item.
- Don't Re-enter the Wreckage: Unless absolutely necessary to save a life and only if safe to do so, do not go back into the helicopter.
- Don't Drink and Drive (in a crash context): This refers to not consuming any alcohol or recreational drugs as they can impair your judgment and physical abilities if you are a survivor.
If the Helicopter Ditches in Water
Ditching in water presents unique challenges. The principles of rapid evacuation are amplified.
- Follow Pilot Instructions: The pilot will likely instruct on how to prepare for ditching.
- Brace for Impact: Assume the brace position as you would for a land crash.
- Seatbelt Release: Be aware that seatbelts can be extremely difficult to release when submerged and under pressure. Practice unbuckling if you are a frequent helicopter passenger.
- Exit Quickly: Once the helicopter has settled, unbuckle and exit as quickly as possible. Water will begin to flood the cabin, increasing pressure.
- Swim to the Surface: If you are disoriented, swim in the direction you think the light is coming from.
- Stay with the Wreckage (Initially): In water, it's generally advised to stay near the wreckage for a short period, as it may float and act as a flotation device, and it makes you easier to spot. However, if the wreckage is unstable or sinking rapidly, prioritize getting away.
- Conserve Energy: If waiting for rescue, try to stay warm and conserve energy.
The most important takeaway is to remain as calm as possible, follow instructions, and act decisively. While these scenarios are frightening to consider, understanding the steps can empower you to react effectively if the unthinkable happens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if the helicopter is going to crash?
Often, a pilot will provide explicit warnings if a crash is imminent and there is time for passengers to react. Listen intently to any announcements from the cockpit. In some cases, especially with sudden mechanical failures, there may be no warning at all.
Why is the brace position so important?
The brace position is designed to minimize injuries from the violent forces experienced during impact. By tucking your head and protecting your vital organs, you reduce the risk of head trauma, whiplash, and severe internal injuries from being thrown around the cabin.
How can I help others after a crash?
If you are uninjured, assess the situation and offer assistance to those who are injured or disoriented. Prioritize helping individuals who are trapped or have serious injuries like severe bleeding. However, do not put yourself in undue danger to help others; your own safety is paramount to being able to assist effectively.
Why should I move away from the helicopter after exiting?
Helicopters often carry a significant amount of fuel. After a crash, there's a high risk of fuel leaks, which can lead to fire or explosion. Moving a safe distance away, at least 100 yards, significantly reduces your risk of being injured by these secondary events.
What should I do if I'm injured?
If you are injured, try to remain as calm as possible. If you can, assess the severity of your injuries. If you are conscious and able, try to administer basic first aid to yourself, such as applying pressure to wounds to stop bleeding. Communicate your condition to other survivors who may be able to help you.
