While working a traffic accident in Indian River County Florida, Battalion Chief Ed Kuvlesky, NREMTP witnessed one of the traffic cones used to mark the landing zone blow away from the rotor wash of a First Flight helicopter.

Troubled by the hazard of the flying cone, Kuvlesky researched what other equipment was available to mark emergency LZ. In addition to cones, he found strobe lights and flares available. Flares were unacceptable due to their open flame and potential to ignite combustibles. Strobe lights were expensive need batteries and produce a piercing flash up to 70 times a minute. Many pilots did not prefer strobe lights due to their potential to disturb their night vision, as well as, strobes can be hard to differentiate from other strobe lights on the emergency vehicles.

So the eighteen-year veteran paramedic invented a multi purpose ground and landing zone marker trademarked as EZ-LZ. This low-tech, maintenance-free device is made from steel and covered with reflective sheeting produce by 3M. Each marker forms an X-shaped base with a 12” vertical delineator; the markers produce tremendous reflective properties with wide visual angularity.

The EZ-LZ can be seen up to two miles away using the Nightsun light or half a mile using the standard landing lights of the helicopter. The fluorescent prismatic lens sheeting increases visibility during day and under poor visibility conditions.

An optional 18” extension to the vertical delineator extends the height to 30” which makes the device multifunctional. The markers can be utilized effectively to mark vehicles, roads and other hazards.

An EZ-LZ kit consists of four marker bases and four vertical delineators in a durable carrying case. The complete kit can be purchased for under $200.

They are manufactured by Integrated Ideas Inc., Vero Beach, Florida and distributed by Merit Apparel Co. Inc., Vero Beach, Florida.

Call 561-563-0002 or visit www.ezlz.com .

Ed Kuvlesky - ezlz@flis.net