Heliport Emergency Response Plan Policy Update

Shared on behalf of Ryan Sears, Director, Capital and Facility Services; and Heliport Emergency Response Plan Executive Sponsor


The Hospital’s Heliport Emergency Response Plan (EMER-180) policy has been revised.

Actions required:

  1. Read this memo and review the updated Heliport Emergency Response Plan (EMER-180) policy to familiarize yourself with important process changes.
  2. Managers to ensure that the updated policy is added to their area’s emergency binder and that all workers review the attached policy. 

Policy changes:

  • Increased alignment with Code Red – Fire Alarm (EMER-30).
  • New definitions: After Hours, Regular Hours, Code Red Supervisor On Duty, and Incident Manager (reflecting definitions in other emergency colour code policies).
  • Removed medical emergency response (previously Sec. 6.3), as this was redundant information based on regular practice.
  • New flight path map.
  • Simplified and/or removed information captured in the Heliport Operations Manual, such as the disabled aircraft removal plan.

Process Reminders:

  • If a helicopter crashes within the heliport perimeter the hospital’s fire alarm will be activated and Security will state “Code Red – Heliport” via overhead announcement.
  • Only designated Hospital staff will respond to an incident involving a helicopter or the heliport; do not enter hazardous areas and maintain a safe distance from the incident site.
  • Thunder Bay Fire Rescue and/or Thunder Bay Police will take command of the scene when they arrive. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness (ext. 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net