How far should patients be staged away from the landing zone when waiting to board the helicopter?

The correct answer specifies that patients should be staged at least 150 feet away from the landing zone when waiting to board the helicopter. This distance is important for safety reasons. Helicopters can create strong downdrafts and rotor wash when landing and taking off, which can pose safety hazards to individuals nearby. By maintaining a minimum distance of 150 feet, the risk of injury from the helicopter's rotor blades and the powerful air currents generated during these operations is significantly reduced.

The selection of 150 feet is based on industry standards and best practices, considering the need to ensure the safety of patients, crew, and other personnel involved in helicopter transport operations. It strikes a balance between maintaining proximity for efficient boarding and ensuring adequate safety margins.

In contrast, other distances might either be insufficient or overly cautious depending on the specific operational protocols in place. However, 150 feet is an established and widely accepted guideline that balances safety and operational efficiency effectively.