HIPPO Personnel Support and Emergency Response Procedures

The HIPPO-2 deployment will be visiting 5 different locations over the 24 day deployment of the first phase.  The project has made all preparations possible to deal with potential problems.   The instrument suite on the GV includes back-up measurement systems for all key variables.  There will be the ability to ship expendables and instrument parts to 3 main depots in Anchorage Alaska, Christchurch, NZ and Kona, Hawaii.   In addition, the aircraft will be linked via satellite phone and chat as well as data relay to help identify, flag and resolve any problems with the on board systems.

However, there are two situations that require special attention and procedures.  These occur when flight personnel become sick or injured and when key aircraft systems (e.g. the data system) malfunction and require experienced engineers and beyond those deployed on the mission.   We must have an emergency response capability to address these two scenarios.

EOL and the HIPPO PIs have developed a list of key staff for all major facility and instrument systems that includes a:

• primary support person (typically someone on the flight) responsible for instruments or facility
• back-up support position (typically someone on the ground to analyze data and offer advice on adjustments or repairs),
• A ‘hot spare- position.  The individual in the hot spare position will be available to fly to the proper future port of call for the aircraft to assist in problem solving or to replace a crew member.