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Avionics and airframe options: current usage and future plans
1Emergency Care Information Center, Carlsbad, CA.
Air Medical Journal
|December 9, 1993
Summary
The 1994 Avionics and Airframe Survey reveals a growing trend in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) programs acquiring multiple dedicated helicopters. This indicates an increasing investment in advanced air medical transport capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Safety
- Emergency Medical Services
- Aerospace Engineering
Background:
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) are critical for rapid patient transport.
- The operational capacity of HEMS programs relies heavily on their aircraft fleet.
- Understanding fleet size is essential for assessing HEMS operational readiness and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the avionics and airframe status of HEMS programs.
- To determine the number of dedicated helicopters operated by HEMS programs.
- To identify trends in HEMS fleet composition.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to chief or lead pilots of HEMS programs in October 1993.
- The survey targeted 178 HEMS programs, with a 56% response rate (100 surveys returned).
- Data collected included the number of helicopters exclusively used for EMS operations.
Main Results:
- 64% of responding HEMS programs operate one exclusive helicopter.
- 24% operate two exclusive helicopters, and 12% operate three or more.
- The percentage of HEMS programs with two or more exclusive helicopters increased by 5.6% to 36%.
Conclusions:
- HEMS programs are increasingly investing in multiple dedicated helicopters.
- This trend suggests a growing emphasis on enhanced air medical transport capacity.
- The findings highlight an evolving operational landscape within HEMS aviation.