HETS - Helicopter Long Line Rescue Services

Helicopter Long Line Rescue
Commonly referred to as “ HETS” or “CDFL”

This rescue system has been pioneered by Parks Canada, Military, and select SAR groups. GMS provides this capability to private industry.

HETS rescue systems can offer many advantageous over traditional land based rescue, in remote and/or high angle terrain, under appropriate conditions.

Utilized where a victim is not easily accessible by, or cannot easily be transported to, a vehicle or helicopter landing pad. This is often the situation in high angle, rugged, mountainous or remote locations. GMS Rescue Operatives are highly trained, practiced and experienced in these environments.

GMS operatives have extensive working experience with pilots and helicopters. They are members of:

- Association of Canadian Mountain Guides
- Society of Rope Access Technicians
- Air Rescue Association of Canada
- WCB OFA 3 and Wilderness First Responders

HETS is regulated under Transport Canada, WCB. GMS adheres to all regulatory requirements, meets industry best practices as outlined by ARAC(Air Rescue Association Canada) and has a stringent in-house training program.

Employers have the moral and legal requirement to provide for timely rescue and medical aid to injured workers. In remote work environments HETS can make all the difference.

Services GMS can audit and advise on your rescue programs. Where desired, GMS will set up project HETS capabilities, providing GMS Rescue Operatives, and integrating with project air carrier.

GMS Operatives can provide project wide rescue services, incorporating land and air response plans. This includes building ERP and Rescue plans. GMS Operatives are all WCB OFA Level 3 First Aid certified. GMS can train and certify rescue operatives, pilots and air carrier for HETS operations as required. (See HETS Training Page) GMS provides all HETS rescue equipment. Both Essential Crew Member and Remote Safety Hook Systems as manufactured by Emergco Industries Inc.

Clients

Ski Resorts – Can utilize HETS capabilities, as does RMR and WB.

Heli-Ski Operations – GMS provides HETS training for CMH and Selkirik Tangiers.

Oil and Gas Exploration - GMS provides HETS programs and standby Rescue Operatives for remote exploration projects for major O+G explorers.

Construction - Remote high angle worksites , such as IPP builds, geotechnical operations, and mining exploration and development may all benefit from HETS services.

Air Carriers – GMS trains and certifies qualifying pilots, and can assist in setting up air carrier requirements. This allows air carriers to meet the needs of their clients who desire HETS.

Emergency Programs - National and local rescue agencies should assess whether they desire to have the increased capabilities for response and rescue that HETS provides. GMS operates globally.