For information on earlier
crashes and Lieff Global experience, click
here.
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*Our representation of clients in these
cases has been by Lieff Global attorneys while at Lieff Global
or prior to their joining our firm.
National Transportation Safety Board Recommendations
To Prevent Air Ambulance Accidents
To remedy the major safety issues for
air ambulance and emergency medical flight operators, the NTSB
recommended in a 2006 Aviation Special Investigation Report
on EMS aviation operations:
Constant Safety Requirements
The NTSB found that during flights without
patients or donor organs on board, medical air operators lessened
their adherence to existing safety guidelines. To ensure the
safety of the crew members, the same strict safety guidelines
should be enforced at all times.
Flight Risk Evaluation
Risks to EMS flight safety include pressure,
weather, environment, spatial disorientation as well as human
factors. Risk evaluation requires the pilots to assess the
situation without the influence of urgency. The NTSB found
that most operators had no formal risk evaluation process and
were thus putting themselves, the crew and patients at risk.
Risk evaluation may have prevented 13 of 55 accidents between
2002 and 2005.
Flight Dispatch Procedures
Many EMS operators lack flight dispatch
procedures. 911 and hospital services are currently not required
to have aviation specific knowledge. The NTSB found that they
should convey key information to air ambulance pilots. For
example, information about air worthiness, weather conditions,
communication and navigation routes should become routine pieces
of information given to pilots of medical flights.
Night Vision Imaging Systems and other
Technologies
Night vision imaging
systems enable operators to see and avoid obstacles at night,
reduce stress and spatial disorientation. 13 of 55 accidents
from 2002-2005 may have been prevented with night vision goggles.
Terrain Awareness and Warning System is a technological device
that increases the safety margin in poor visibility environments.
The FAA does not require this system, and only recommends it
to air operators. 17 of 55 accidents would have benefited from
it usage.
Contact Lieff Global
For assistance with a case involving
an air ambulance accident, please click
here to contact a Lieff Global attorney or call us toll-free
at 1-800-541-7358.
About Lieff Global
Lieff Global, LLP, is an AV-rated law
firm with offices in San Francisco and New York, and affiliate
offices worldwide. Our representation has included both Americans
and people residing in Europe and Asia in aviation lawsuits
filed worldwide.
Lieff Global is uniquely positioned
to answer your questions and represent your interests. Our
attorneys have over forty years of experience litigating airplane
crash cases worldwide. We have relationships with the foremost
experts in the fields of aviation safety and disaster analysis.
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