AAHP says B206 not fit for purpose in Newfoundland and Labrador

AAHP says B206 not fit for purpose in Newfoundland and Labrador

24-Jan-2012 Source: AAHP

The Association of Allied Health Professionals is voicing concerns on behalf of its members who operate the Medical Flight Program.  The AAHP has been working with Eastern Health and the Department of Health and Community Services to have the safety issues addressed over the past few months to no avail.

Sharon King, Executive Director stated that “it first came to our attention by our Medical Flight Specialists in late spring.  An assessment was conducted by  Eastern Health’s Quality and Risk Management Department in June 2011.  The assessment concluded a number of deficiencies that required attention to clear the Universal Bell 206 helicopter to be safe for patient transport.”

“We are fortunate that the physicians responsible for ordering these flights by helicopter have supported the Medical Flight Specialists in their concerns and have refused to order transport on these helicopters since that time. “ said King.  “We would like to discuss this matter in detail with the Minister of Health and Community Services however, we’ve been told we are unable to get a date until late February.  We think this will be too late – as we’ve been told – the Department of Health has ordered that another Helicopter – the Bell 407 be retrofitted to address the safety problems.  This will cost approximately $250,000.00 and the Bell is only a few inches larger than the Bell 206.  We think there may be another option.”

Apparently, the contract for helicopters for use in the Medical Flight Program is up in March 2012 – we think this is an ideal opportunity for Government to call for an adequate helicopter – more suited to medical flights in our province.

While the safety of patients is a major concern for our Medical Flight Specialists, AAHP is also concerned for the staff that operates in these medical emergencies.  Currently, some of the issues identified include cabin space too small for all the necessary equipment; patient’s feet/stretcher extend from the fuselage into the cockpit; medically necessary equipment cannot be secured down and at times, must be placed on the patient; helicopter can only transport a patient 250 pounds or less; certain medical procedures cannot be performed while in the air because there is not enough room for the Medical Flight Specialist to safely perform procedures on the patient.  Additionally, the Bell 206 and the Bell 407 are both single engine/ single pilot helicopters.  AAHP believes based on the recent history in the province; our geography and landscape including flights over water – consideration should be given to a helicopter similar to those used in Search and Rescue and Offshore.  •

Notes

AAHP represents some 750 Allied Health Professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador in the classifications of:  Social Workers, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Speech Language Pathologists, Audiologists, Dietitians, Respiratory Therapists and a number of other disciplines including Medical Flight Specialists.

The Medical Flight Program became operational under Eastern Health in August 2007. Prior to 2007, the service was used for transportation of stabilized patients only who required limited care during flight.  The service is now enhanced and can now include critical care transport from either a hospital or remote setting.  It is the remote settings when a helicopter is usually required.

The Medical Flight Program consists of 12 staff trained as Critical Care Nurses or Advanced Paramedicals.

All other provinces using dedicated air ambulance are using twin engine, dual pilot  aircraft.

Transport Canada restricts the Bell 206 in certain weather conditions and terrain and over water transport.  It is also restricted from flying at night.

The Bell 206 does not have de-icing protection capabilities.

The Bell 206 does not provide AC electrical outlets in order to operate electrical equipment such as IV pump, ventilator, cardiac monitor, etc.  These devises must be used on battery power only.  This introduces the risk of power loss due to battery failure from extensive use(ie. Defibrillation; extended flight time.)

The stretcher system on the aircraft does not support a shoulder harness system for patient restraint and does not permit proper positioning of patients if required.

Oxygen and medical air cannot be carried in large cylinders as there is no way to secure the cylinders.

Communications with the Medical Communications Center at Eastern Health or with the on-call flight physician is limited due to access and function of radio systems and satellite telephone on board the aircraft.

HeliHub.com editor note
Eastern Health is the largest integrated health authority in Newfoundland and Labrador, serving a regional population of more than 290,000 and offering the full continuum of health and community services

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