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The Evolution of Helicopter Rescue Operations
First Recorded Civilian Helicopter Rescue November 29, 1945
"If a man is in need of rescue, an
airplane can come in and throw
flowers on him, and that's just
about all…but a direct lift
aircraft could come in and save
his life."
‐ Igor Sikorsky
The Birth of Helicopter Rescue
• Pioneered during the Korean
War to support MASH units.
“MEDEVAC” and “DUSTOFF”
became common during the
Vietnam conflict.
– Techniques learned during
wartime applied to civilian
operations (MAST)
• Increase of available resources
• Global influences
• Increased use (frequency)
• Accident rates
• Equipment
• Regulations and standards
Evolution as a Result of:
Increase in Resources
• Federal Excess Procurement Program (FEPP) and other procurement programs established by Defense Logistics Administration (1208, 1033)
Stimulated by Global Events
• Continue to happen
• No one is unaffected
• We haven’t found new ways to hurt or kill people
• Unlike civil operations there are no mechanisms for regulation
Accidents in Helicopter Rescue:
• Blade strikes
• Wire strikes
• Exceeding capabilities of aircraft
• Improper procedure
• Lack of training
• Equipment issues
Accidents During SAR Operations:
Blade Strikes
• Distraction
• Fixation
• Overload
• Complacency
• Improper procedure
Traditional Causes
Human Factors
Ground Duties
Safety Management
Maintenance
Pilot Judgment And Actions
Crew Situational Awareness
Part / System Failure
Mission Risk
Aircraft Design
Training
Policy / SOP
Political Pressure
• Changing the way we train
• Changing our culture (growing up, SMS systems, CRM training)
• Equipment
• Standardization
• Standards and regulations
What are We Doing About it?
• Hoist Manufacturers
• Rescue Equipment Manufacturers
• OEMs (Aircraft Systems; And yes, they are listening to us!)
• Other: Seats, medical interiors, HUMS systems, etc.
Equipment
The Right Tools for the Job
• Formal training programs Recognized by the FAA
• Multiple manufacturers
• FAA approved maintenance centers
Night Vision Goggles (NVG’s)
• National Interagency Fire Center – IHOG
• FEMA – NIMS Credentialing
• Airborne Law Enforcement Accreditation Program
• Operational cohesiveness at a state level
• Development of standards (NFPA & ASTM)
• FAA
• Helicopter Rescue and Response Association
Standardization
• Interagency Helicopter Operations Guide
• Working group includes: DOI, DLM, DIA, USDA, etc.
• Provides framework for incidents varying in size
• Standardize criteria for ops and aircrew personnel, aircraft and other equipment
IHOG
• Air Unit Accreditation program• Working relationship with NTSB• Focus on over unit management and SMS
• Audited by the ALEA Accreditation Commission
• Striving to include SAR ops and fire suppression in scope of program
Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA)
• NIMS ‐Work in process
• Several working groups pertaining to helicopter operations
• Typing criteria to include SAR teams
• Ordering criteria
FEMA
• Multi‐agency at regional level
• Multi‐agency at state level
Formation of Formal Partnerships
• NFPA 1670 & 1006 includes Helicopter Operations
• ASTM F32
– Standard Guide for Helicopter Inland Search and Rescue Technician
– Standard Guide for Helicopter Inland Search and Rescue Crew Chief
Industry Standards
• December 2011 – Two‐day Public Aircraft Forum
– Clarifications in the form of an addendum to Advisory Circular A00.1‐1 “Government Aircraft Operations”
– The FAA does not give advisory opinions on PAO. There are simply too many requirements that can cause a PAO to fall out of status
– PAO determinations are made on a flight‐by‐flight basis, almost always after the fact
FAA & NTSB
• Formed in Austin, TX in 2010
• Members representing all types of operators conduction helicopter rescue operations
• Working relations with HAI and FAA
• Promote safety and efficiency through information sharing
Helicopter Rescue andResponse Association (HRRA)
• Foster relationship with local agencies
• Take initiative to find out more about other state agencies. Ops manuals, trainings, briefings, etc.
• Trainings should reflect operational conditions
• Keep current with new tactics and equipment
• Learn from your mistakes!
• Share your mistakes so that others may learn
Take Home
For more information, please contact
Cedric Smith at (805) 456‐7151
or by email at [email protected]