Rescuers have suffered fatal falls during all phases of rescue hoist operations. Rescue organizations can take an active role in preventing these fatalities by incorporating crew resource management (CRM) into hoist training. The goal of CRM is to “improve air safety using all available resources.” It is most effective when the entire crew works together. I have observed some units conducting rescue hoist training without involving the pilots. This leaves the hoist operators and rescuers to coordinate actions on their own. Doing so discounts the pilots’ experience and knowledge of aviation safety procedures. Tap into those resources and involve the entire crew in hoist procedures! The Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team, based in Washington state, has an overland rescue mission. We review hoist procedures based on lessons learned from mission debriefings, after action reports (AARs), and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident reports. Our emphasis is on standardization, use of checklists, training, communication, and situational awareness. Here’s a closer look at some of those areas of focus. STANDARDIZATION The way a team trains is the way they will perform on a mission. We standardize all procedures and equipment, and then correct errors made during training to match the established standard. These standards are adjusted at times based on lessons learned. CHECKLISTS We use checklists habitually. The rescuers check each other’s harness security, equipment, and radio function using a Rescuer’s Safety Checklist prior to flight. The crew chief’s harness is also safety checked for security. 
 Just as we read the aircraft checklist during aircraft run-up, the Hoist Ops Safety Checklist is read before all hoist operations. The non-flying pilot reads the safety checklist and the crew chief responds using the “call-response” method. For example: Non-flying pilot reads: “Crew chief tether secure” 
 Rescuer checks that the crew chief tether is secured to the crew chief harness and to the aircraft anchor point, verifies that both carabiner gates are locked, then gives a thumbs up to the crew chief.
 Crew chief responds: “Check” We ensure everyone is tethered to the aircraft before take off. The crew chief harness is double- checked before they step out onto the skid. The crew chief double-checks the rescuer connections prior to bringing them out the door using the hoist. Rescuers double-check all connections prior to being raised or lowered on the hoist. Reading the checklists out loud involves the entire aircrew and contributes to crew coordination. 86 Ver tical 911 Maga zine