CRASH SURVIVAL AND SAFETY CHECKLIST
by
Brig. Gen. Wm W. Spruance
Click for 1 page Checklist in MS Word
CRASH SURVIVAL AND SAFETY CHECK LIST (In case you wish you'd taken notes)
THE MOST IMPORTANT ACCIDENT-FREE HOUR, IS THE NEXT HOUR FLOWN (OR DRIVEN OR
WALKED)
- Always use the CHECK LIST: No matter how well you know your procedures,
if you are distracted, you will omit critical items.
- Always FASTEN SEAT BELT & HARNESS when you sit down, no exceptions.
a. You'll be a missile, and go through the windshield, without the belt fastened.
b. Charge kids $1 for forgetting to buckle up. You forget, you pay them.
c. Never make any exceptions, so you'll be reminded subconsciously.
d. Fasten harness snugly. A loose harness may fail and injure or kill you.
e. Always locate & touch belt release button & door handle to be ready
to get out.
f. Locate exits & plan escape routes in hotels, theaters, busses, aircraft,
etc.
- PRACTICE AIRCRAFT EGRESS until it's automatic; don't rely on help getting
out.
a. Think through & pre-plan how to get out. Count rows to nearest exit.
b. You'll have enough unanticipated problems; but DON'T PANIC!
- HEADREST UP, to prevent breaking neck as head whiplashes over seat back.
a. Harness stretches, then slings your upper torso back, and breaks your neck.
b. Car Headrest up for being rear-ended & slide body down if seat has
no headrest.
- Loose objects become LETHAL MISSILES AT THE IMPACT VELOCITY.
a. Any hard thing behind you, if not tied down, can kill you at 15 mph impact.
b. Kids not belted in the back seat, can kill you en route to their death.
- PRE-POSITION YOUR BODY where it will be after the impact to avoid fractures.
a. Legs and Arms will swing forward, so pre-position them forward.
b. Head snaps forward over the harness, so pre-position head forward.
- WHEN CLOTHING IS ON FIRE, DON'T RUN, which is like fanning the fire.
a. Smother fire with a coat, or wrap up in a blanket [or a popped parachute].
- When flying, WEAR BOOTS or FUNCTIONAL SHOES and avoid losing them:
a. Shoeless feet get burns, blisters, splinters, metal gashes, cuts &
frostbite.
b. Spike heels will catch on airline slide; she'll tumble & break her
neck.
c. [Without Boots you will land barefooted after ejecting from military aircraft].
- Not wearing GLOVES is like having no hands in case of fire.
- More CLOTHING gives better protection against fire & the outside elements.
a. Wear Slacks or Pantsuits. Skirts fly up on airline slides with bad mat
burn.
b. No Shorts or Skirts. Long Pants are a must to prevent bare leg burns.
c. Long sleeves, down or ready to roll down, NO SHORT SLEEVES.
d. Jacket on or ready to put on for fire insulation & warmth on the ground.
e. Pure synthetics next to your skin will melt into your skin.
- Avoid LUNG DAMAGE from inhaling fire, hot gasses, or raw fuel.
a. Hold your breath as long as possible.
b. Cover nose & mouth with a handkerchief, wet cloth, pillow, or use a
smoke mask.
c. Carry Swimmer's Goggles to protect your eyes and improve vision in smoke.
- Avoid HELMET loss on impact, (if wearing one), and resultant head injury:
a. Chin & Nape Straps must be snug on aircraft or motorcycle helmets.
- VISOR DOWN to avoid terrifying blindness, injury, or death from:
a. Bird strikes, or flying fragments (bugs or gravel on motorcycles).
b. Forward impact of slamming your bare face into panel of auto or aircraft.
- TAPE STYROFOAM PADDING over anything sharp or hard you'd be thrown against.
- Always carry in your pocket a CELLULAR PHONE. Call 911. Give your location.
a. With a good hand-held GPS, rescue can home in on your coordinates.
b. Call home, and tell them you will be late. Reduce their worry level.
BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST & PLEASANTLY SURPRISED IF YOU
DON'T CRASH
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University
Daytona Beach, Florida, 32114 (800) 222 ERAU, AFROTC (386) 226-6880
Prescott, Arizona, 86301 (800) 888-ERAU, AFROTC (928) 777-3862
Tape "Crash Survival" Pin # 613660 @ http://dodimagery.afis.osd.mil/
Military: "Search" Pin # 613660, click video name.
Brig Gen William W. Spruance USAF (ret.) Fax
(702) 870-6444