Safety
FAA addresses helicopter EMS safety record
From a safety perspective, last year was not a good year for the air medical sector.

From a safety perspective, last year was not a good year for the air medical sector. A spate of fatal accidents has led to much media speculation about the safety record of U.S. air ambulances and even the medical benefits of using them so (apparently) freely. It has also further tarnished a deteriorating rate apparent in statistics from previous years.

At least 37 people died in 12 medical helicopter and airplane crashes in 2004, according to the NTSB. Only seven died in 2003. “We’re paying attention to this and it’s of extraordinary concern to the Board,” said NTSB chairman Ellen Engleman Conners.

Loading…