CHAPTER 3. OPERATIONS GENERAL. This chapter outlines recommendations regarding FAR Part 135 EMS operations with airplanes.
a. EMS Flight Following. In order to ensure a safe and orderly accomplishment of an EMS/A mission, each operator should develop a flight following system. The requirements for conducting flights for which no flight plan has been filed are in FAR Section 135.79. EMS/A operations should be conducted using IFR flight plans and procedures, when feasible, to achieve the highest level of safety.
(1) In addition to IFR flight plans, flightcrews should have procedures to notify the flight following center of the specific aircraft departure time and estimated time of arrival at the scheduled destination.
(2) When visual flight rule (VFR) operations are conducted, a procedure should be used to ensure that each operator can safely conduct the entire flight under VFR conditions.
(3) Each EMS operator is urged to devise a system of obtaining weather information for use prior to releasing any flight.
Flight Time and Rest Requirements. . Each operator should maintain records showing compliance with the flight and rest requirements of FAR Part 135.
The certificate holder's manual should include policy regarding pilots on call with the use of remote paging devices. The manual should indicate how the use of these devices impacts duty time limitations.
Operators using paging devices should consult with their respective FSDO when developing their operations manual and operating procedures so they can properly describe the conditions when a paging device will be used.
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c. Each operator should develop a control system for weight and balance that shows the aircraft will be properly loaded and will not exceed limitations during flight. A control system may include the following:
A loading schedule, composed of graphs and tables based on pertinent aircraft data established for use in loading the aircraft in a rapid manner for EMS operations, should be prepared.
average load weights established in accordance with AC 120-27, as revised. If the index system is used, the manual should contain the procedures for using, managing, and updating.
(3) These programs should include assorted aircraft occupant and equipment configurations (i.e., two pilots, two medical personnel, two patients, large carry-on equipment, balloon pumps, oscillators, 30 percent fuel, etc).
d. Instrument Flight Rules. ATC will provide priority handling for EMS flights using the "Lifeguard" call-sign. The AIM states that extreme discretion is necessary when using the term "Lifeguard" and that the call-sign is intended for only that portion of the flight requiring expeditious handling.
operators should encourage their flightcrews to use "Lifeguard" as appropriate in the remarks section of their flight plans and in radio communications with ATC. Additional considerations when planning IFR flights include the following:
(1) Avoid flight in icing whenever possible.
(2) Avoid weather conditions that may induce additional stress on the patient.
(3) Have contigency plan for coordination of ground services if weather causes diversion to an alternate airport.
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CHAPTER 4. SAFETY GENERAL. The commitment to safety must start at the top of an organization. The single most important element of a successful safety program is the commitment of senior management.
Safety cannot be dictated - it must be practiced. Managers must display a prudent safety attitude by being involved in safety training. The following safety program recommendations are unique to EMS/A operations:
Safety Program. The safety program should be developed considering coordination, when necessary, with organizations that may be essential to the safe completion of an air ambulance ng on the note of Eng mission. Depending on the nature of the operation, an operator may coordinate with one or more of the following organizations:
ATC, hospitals, police departments, fire departments, ground apa Po under caving i spend ic the mision adresing topicion and search and rescue organizations.
concerning the aircraft operation.
The certificate holder should designate a safety officer. This individual should be familiar with each aspect of an EMS operation with emphasis on the safety requirements involved in the operation of EMS aircraft. This individual should plan, organize, and disseminate information about the safety program to all involved persons.
c. The program should encompass at least the following areas: Safety in and around aircraft, flight preparation, weather analysis, communication equipment and procedures, facilities, and other areas deemed appropriate by the certificate holder and local FSDO.
The foundation of any safety program is training.
Supervisors and managers are ultimately responsible for the success and safety record of their organization. To achieve sarety, personnel must receive quality instruction in all aspects of their jobs concerning the safest method of accomplishment. Trained personnel are able to recognize hazardous situations and take appropriate action to avoid accidents.
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