National Transportation Safety Board Recommendations To Prevent Air Ambulance Accidents
To remedy the major safety issues for air ambulance and emergency medical flight operators, the NTSB recommended in a 2006 Aviation Special Investigation Report on EMS aviation operations:
Constant Safety Requirements
The NTSB found that during flights without patients or donor organs on board, medical air operators lessened their adherence to existing safety guidelines. To ensure the safety of the crew members, the same strict safety guidelines should be enforced at all times.
Flight Risk Evaluation
Risks to EMS flight safety include pressure, weather, environment, spatial disorientation as well as human factors. Risk evaluation requires the pilots to assess the situation without the influence of urgency. The NTSB found that most operators had no formal risk evaluation process and were thus putting themselves, the crew and patients at risk. Risk evaluation may have prevented 13 of 55 accidents between 2002 and 2005.
Flight Dispatch Procedures
Many EMS operators lack flight dispatch procedures. 911 and hospital services are currently not required to have aviation specific knowledge. The NTSB found that they should convey key information to air ambulance pilots. For example, information about air worthiness, weather conditions, communication and navigation routes should become routine pieces of information given to pilots of medical flights.
Night Vision Imaging Systems and other Technologies
Night vision imaging systems enable operators to see and avoid obstacles at night, reduce stress and spatial disorientation. 13 of 55 accidents from 2002-2005 may have been prevented with night vision goggles. Terrain Awareness and Warning System is a technological device that increases the safety margin in poor visibility environments. The FAA does not require this system, and only recommends it to air operators. 17 of 55 accidents would have benefited from it usage.
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