Safety

Air Care is committed to providing a safe environment for our patients and associates. We accomplish this by maintaining an active safety program. Air Care has an active safety committee comprised of associates from each discipline within the company. Some of the responsibilities of the safety committee include training and education, research of new processes, auditing, and trend analysis.

Accreditation by CAMTS ensure adherence to stringent standards as well as providing for external auditing and oversight.

Ultimately, safety lies at the operational level. How we get there is a coordinated effort of education, training, auditing, risk management, and continuous improvement.

Risk Management

Air Care actively utilizes a risk management process for correction of defects as well as policy design. This system is based on the concept of probability vs severity. Reported issues are examined for system defects, controls are identified and implemented, and outcome is tracked through auditing and reported on a master list for review by administration.

All policies are developed using the risk management process to identify hazards and implement controls prior to incorporation.

Safety Management System

Air Care utilizes a safety management system (SMS). This represents a process comprised of several key elements such as organizational commitment to safety, reporting and documentation, risk management and hazard correction, auditing and evaluation. Each of these components is a vital tool in the safe operation of an air medical transport company.

Heliport/Helistop

  • Before aircraft/helicopter arrival, assure adequate perimeter lighting
  • Assure that helipad is clear of bystanders, vehicles, obstacles, and debris
  • Assure helipad security (minimum of one person)

Aircraft/Helicopter Arrival

  • Wear appropriate hearing and eye protection to protect against flying debris
  • Approach aircraft only when signaled by pilot
  • Approach from the front of the helicopter after signaled
  • Wait for crew to open aircraft doors
  • Follow crew instructions for safety in loading/unloading

Aircraft/Helicopter Departure

  • Secure the helipad
  • Clear the area of bystanders, vehicles, obstacles and debris
  • Adequate fire equipment should be readily available
  • Wear appropriate hearing and eye protection

General Safety Precautions

  • Do not rush towards a helicopter
  • Be mindful of patient care and universal precautions
  • Wear appropriate eye and hearing protection
  • Remain at a distance of at least 50 feet during all take off and landings
  • No loose articles
  • Do not raise anything higher than head level
  • No vehicle traffic within 50 feet of the helicopter
  • Notify communication center of any changes or construction around the helipad/helistop
  • No smoking in or around the helicopter
  • Never approach aircraft from the rear

Contact

For issues relating to safety, please contact West Michigan Air Care and request the Safety Manager.  Please leave a message and the Safety Manager will get back with you as soon as possible.

West Michigan Air Care's commitment to Safety is #1