Safety Management Systems in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services

Safety programs within aviation and the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services continue to evolve.  Many HEMS operators are now adopting a systems approach to safety, beginning with changes in management's philosophy toward safety, and adopting a more safety-based culture in their organizations.  The industry has adopted both managerial and engineering improvements to their programs which continue to impact safety in HEMS.   Many operators are emphasizing more risk management and training in their operations.  Additionally, there are growing numbers of operators equipping their fleets with twin-engine aircraft, better IFR capabilities, Night Vision Goggles, and instrumentation for alerting crews of terrain or obstacles.  The environment in which the HEMS industry operates is a demanding one; one in which risk cannot be completely eliminated.  However, the HEMS industry is among a growing sector of the aviation industry adopting Safety Management Systems to improve their operations.