When should your litter team approach a helicopter?

The correct approach for a litter team to approach a helicopter is to wait for the signal from an aircraft crew member. This protocol exists to ensure safety, as crew members are trained to assess the environment around the helicopter. They can determine when it's safe for personnel on the ground to approach, accounting for rotor blade movement, the presence of wind, and any other potential hazards.

Approaching a helicopter without this signal can lead to dangerous situations, especially since rotor blades can cause serious injury or even fatalities due to their speed and proximity. The crew member's signal serves as a crucial communication tool to coordinate the movement of ground personnel, prioritizing safety above all else.

In contrast, waiting for the helicopter to land, for the patient to be ready, or for the rotor blades to stop moving may not provide the necessary safety assurance. These options do not incorporate the crew’s assessment or guidance, which is critical in a dynamic and potentially hazardous environment involving aircraft operations. Thus, waiting for the crew member's signal is the safest and most appropriate approach for the litter team.