|
|
Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.)
Before each mission, the following key considerations are:
Weather
Crew requirements
Fuel
Weight
Safety Equipment
Medical and Rescue Equipment
Patient Care
Before each mission, the following key considerations are:
Crew requirements i.e.: do we require a Doctor and a Paramedic?
Number of patients
Status of patient i.e.: type and seriousness of injury or medical condition
Medical equipment required - specialised or standard, i.e.: incubators, ventilators etc
Patient management i.e.: is flying at altitude a restricting factor?
During each mission, the following key considerations are:
Which is the best / most appropriate hospital to take the patient to?
Communication with receiving hospital advising patient condition, e.t.a. (estimated time of arrival), and what hospital department will be receiving the patient
Post Mission
Cleanup i.e.: sterilisation of trace infectious substances or fluids (blood) that could be residual from the mission
Prevention of corrosion of rescue equipment i.e.: sea rescues require the helicopter to have a complete fresh water flush down and equipment to be greased or lubricated with a protectant
Ensure the Helicopter is fully fuelled for next mission
Paperwork i.e.: updating our mission database and flight and equipment maintenance logs
Standby ready for the next mission!
Down time
Maintaining rescue and operational equipment is essential
Personal fitness regime (the Crew have to pass regular fitness tests)
Ongoing training i.e.: winch, Night Sun, FLIR, off-shore, night landings, medical
Equipment familiarisation (there is always new equipment to evaluate and trial)
Rescue technique evaluation
|