[Angie O'Plasty]

I have another quick question about the basic requirements for flight nursing. Is there any type of vision requirement (such as correctable to 20/20, etc.)? The reason I ask is that mine is correctable only to about 20/25 or 20/30 and I don't have normal stereoscopic vision, due to having been born with strabismus (it was fixed with patching and surgery, but that only takes care of so much). I know the pilots are the only ones doing the actual flying, but I was under the impression that the nurses/medics sometimes have to help with spotting things etc. Any info would be much appreciated!

[flyaway]

Originally Posted by Angie O'Plasty

I have another quick question about the basic requirements for flight nursing. Is there any type of vision requirement (such as correctable to 20/20, etc.)? The reason I ask is that mine is correctable only to about 20/25 or 20/30 and I don't have normal stereoscopic vision, due to having been born with strabismus (it was fixed with patching and surgery, but that only takes care of so much). I know the pilots are the only ones doing the actual flying, but I was under the impression that the nurses/medics sometimes have to help with spotting things etc. Any info would be much appreciated!

I wear glasses or contacts. One of the most important aspects for safety on a helicopter is visualizing your landing zone. You can land in some areas that have a lot of trees, telephone/electric wires/poles, etc. Most EMS/firefighters that set up your LZ, keep all this in mind, however there have been times where those inexperienced with helicopter landing zones, forget to tell you about certain things when you verbally ask for LZ info re: obstacles,etc. You are a major player in assisting the pilot in landings/takeoffs to clear all the obstacles that may be around. That's a time that is most dangerous for the helicopter crew/pt. The majority of LZ's we have landed at, even some of the small hospitals, have obstacles you have to clear. You can't be afraid to tell the pilot what you see and assist him. He can't see everywhere. Then think about the night time....it's just that much more difficult.

[Angie O'Plasty]

Originally Posted by flyaway

I wear glasses or contacts. One of the most important aspects for safety on a helicopter is visualizing your landing zone. You can land in some areas that have a lot of trees, telephone/electric wires/poles, etc. Most EMS/firefighters that set up your LZ, keep all this in mind, however there have been times where those inexperienced with helicopter landing zones, forget to tell you about certain things when you verbally ask for LZ info re: obstacles,etc. You are a major player in assisting the pilot in landings/takeoffs to clear all the obstacles that may be around. That's a time that is most dangerous for the helicopter crew/pt. The majority of LZ's we have landed at, even some of the small hospitals, have obstacles you have to clear. You can't be afraid to tell the pilot what you see and assist him. He can't see everywhere. Then think about the night time....it's just that much more difficult.

OK, I had figured everyone had to help with landing etc. So do you think that 20/30 vision and less-than-stellar depth perception would create a safety issue for the crew, or am I making more out of this than necessary?

[flyaway]

Originally Posted by Angie O'Plasty

OK, I had figured everyone had to help with landing etc. So do you think that 20/30 vision and less-than-stellar depth perception would create a safety issue for the crew, or am I making more out of this than necessary?

My vision leaves something to be desired, even with glasses/contacts. I don't know you, but you may be uneccesarily worried about it.

[Angie O'Plasty]

Originally Posted by flyaway

My vision leaves something to be desired, even with glasses/contacts. I don't know you, but you may be uneccesarily worried about it.

It sounds, then, like I would probably be OK in that department. I suppose the depth perception probably isn't a real issue given that I would only be spotting things and pointing them out to the pilot, not being the one who has to judge exactly how to maneuver to avoid them! However, if I'm off base on this, someone should let me know.