S - Size, Surface, Slope.

Size matters when it comes to landing zones, and in all cases, bigger is better.

Surface - what type? grass, asphalt, loose gravel, snow, pasture, corn field, etc

Slope - how much? 2 - 3 degrees, 3-5 degrees, 5-10 degrees, and in what direction? East to West, North to South, etc

W - Winds

Always report direction winds are "coming from" or "out of" and estimated speed. Example: Winds are out of the North at 10 knots or Winds are 360 degrees at 10 knots.

O - Obstacles

Report all obstacles inside the landing area cones or flares as well as any obstacles within two miles of the landing zone - example: trees, wires, cell phone towers, soccer nets, goal posts, fences, back stops, etc.

R - Route

Best route into and out of the landing zone for the helicopter. Example: "Best approach is from the North to the South," or "best approach is from the Southeast".

D - Double Check

Double check everything, especially the stuff on the checklist. Did I find and brief all the obstacles? Do I have a good exit plan from the landing zone? Do I know the winds? Did I brief my team? Our business is unforgiving. Second chances are rare in the medical, aviation, fire and EMS worlds. Take an extra minute and make sure everything is right the first time.