PARS Public
Viewer Table of Contents View
Field Operations Directives (FODs)

86-016 Emergency Medical Service/Rescue in Mountainous, Remote and Designated Areas


86-021 Use of the Multi-Channel Telephone Tape Recorder
86-015 Mountain Rescue Team Operational Guideline

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE/RESCUE IN MOUNTAINOUS, REMOTE AND DESIGNATED AREAS

The purpose of this directive is to provide the most efficient utilization of Sheriff and Fire Department air ambulance (helicopter) resources in their application to search and rescue efforts within Los Angeles County. Both the Sheriff and Fire Departments are committed to complete cooperation in an effort to provide the highest level of service for the citizens of Los Angeles County. To that end, both agencies have entered into a comprehensive agreement to provide the utmost in coordinated services.

AIR AMBULANCE - HELICOPTER

Due to the vast area of Los Angeles County, the Sheriff and the Fire Departments have designated primary areas of responsibility for each Department to ensure the timely and most efficient utilization of resources.

  • Dispatches of air ambulance helicopters are made by the L.A. County Fire Department.

MOUNTAIN TECHNICAL RESCUES, SEARCHES, AND DEAD BODY RECOVERIES

A mountain technical rescue is defined as a rescue requiring use of mountaineering techniques and/or Sheriff's Department search and rescue teams or specialized mountain rescue equipment.

Sheriff's Department Responsibility:

  • Responsible for all technical rescues, searches, and dead body recoveries in mountainous, remote, and designated areas.
  • Notify fire dispatch of operation. Per the Manual of Policy and Procedures, section 5-06/050.00, the mobilization of search and rescue personnel shall not be delayed by dispatching patrol units to confirm circumstances.

Fire Department Responsibility:

  • Will request the Sheriff's Department for all mountain technical rescues, searches, and dead body recoveries. If the Sheriff's Department is committed or the patient's condition warrants immediate action, the Fire Department will handle. The Fire Department will provide assistance when requested by the Sheriff's Department.

DISPATCH SEQUENCE AND NOTIFICATIONS

Station dispatchers shall IMMEDIATLY make the following notifications on ALL REQUESTS for air ambulances (helicopters), emergency medical services, rescues, searches, and dead body recoveries.

  • Notify Fire Department Dispatcher:
    • Fire will dispatch their ground units as needed.
    • Fire will dispatch the designated air ambulance if appropriate.
  • Notify Sheriff's 24-hour Rescue at S.E.B. Headquarters; phone number [REDACTED TEXT]
  • Dispatch Station Mountain Rescue Team immediately for searches and/or rescues.
  • Dispatch patrol unit or request C.H.P. if appropriate.