Description

This article considers the safety risks specific to Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operations and the measures that can be taken to reduce those safety risks.

Hazards

There are several unique hazards faced by HEMS operators. The time pressures, planning challenges and environmental factors associated with air ambulance operations makes them inherently high risk opertions.

Contributory factors identified in an AMPA (Air Medical Physician Association) investigation of HEMS accidents[1] include: