Data-Driven Video Technology Enhances Medevac Helicopters' Safety
Every second counts in the high-stakes world of emergency medical services. Medevac helicopters play a crucial role in transporting critically ill or injured patients to hospitals and specialized care facilities, often navigating challenging conditions to save lives.
However, these vital operations come with inherent risks that can jeopardize the safety of patients, medical staff, and flight crews.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has long identified helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) as a sector requiring enhanced safety measures. With the advent of advanced technology, particularly advanced video and video management technologies, the industry is witnessing a transformation in how it approaches and mitigates these risks.
Recent studies have highlighted the gravity of these challenges. According to a fatal air medical accident study that reviewed fatal air accidents between 2000 and 2020, nighttime-related factors contributed to nearly 38.9 percent of fatalities, followed by weather-related factors at 35.6 percent.
Research from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University revealed that helicopter air ambulances have twice the fatal accident rate compared with all other forms of aviation per 100,000 flight hours.
These statistics underscore the need for advanced safety measures in air ambulance operations. Fortunately, video data is emerging as a powerful tool to address these challenges and enhance safety across the board.
Proactive Technologies
Data-driven video management software (VMS) is revolutionizing the way air ambulance and Medevac teams operate, improving operational efficiencies while enhancing patient safety.
By integrating various camera technologies, sensors, and analytics, these systems provide real-time situational awareness, enabling better-informed decisions during critical moments.
Today’s open video management platforms can bring together a wide range of specialty cameras and data streams to improve Medevac and helipad safety.
Landing pad cameras offer ground staff that are assisting with landing, as well as pilots, a clear view of the landing area. This helps team members identify potential obstacles or hazards, such as parked vehicles, people, or misplaced equipment. This enhanced visibility is crucial during the most dangerous phases of flight: takeoff and landing.
For nighttime operations or in adverse weather conditions, infrared and thermal imaging cameras vastly improve visibility. These technologies provide clear aerial views of the landing site, helping pilots and ground staff identify and avoid hazards like unauthorized personnel, building structures, or objects that might not be visible to the naked eye.
Smart sensors, coupled with predictive video analytic software, measure the helicopter's altitude, speed, and distance to the ground. This information gives information to the ground staff that can aid pilots in safely landing aircraft under challenging conditions, such as high winds or low visibility.
Video analytics take safety measures a step further by automatically detecting potential risks and sending targeted alerts. Motion and object detection capabilities can identify and track objects in the vicinity of the air ambulance or heliport, including people, vehicles, animals, or even drones. Personnel tracking ensures that everyone is in a safe area during takeoff and landing operations.
Hospitals can create a unified solution that enhances overall safety by integrating VMS with existing systems such as access control, lighting, alarms, and intercoms. This integration also allows for seamless communication between various departments and stakeholders, ensuring a coordinated response to any potential emergencies.
Additionally, recorded video data from high-resolution cameras serves multiple purposes beyond real-time monitoring. It provides valuable information for incident investigation, helping determine underlying factors, establish accountability, and identify necessary and potential improvements. This video data also serves as an excellent training tool for pilots and crew members, allowing them to review and learn from past operations.
Future of Air Ambulance Safety
Looking ahead, we can expect to see even more sophisticated analytics and artificial intelligence integration within VMS platforms. These advancements may include predictive maintenance for aircraft, automated risk assessments based on weather patterns, and enhanced decision-support systems for flight crews.
The journey of medical air transport is one of time-critical stakes and immense responsibility. By combining the expertise of medical crews and pilots with the augmented vision and insights provided by data-driven video technology, air ambulance services can create a formidable barrier against unforeseen risks.
As the industry continues to prioritize safety, the adoption of smart video systems will likely become more widespread. This technology not only enhances the safety of air ambulance operations but also contributes to improved patient outcomes by ensuring swift and secure medical transport when every second counts.
Mark Johnson is the national business development manager for cities at Milestone Systems. Johnson is a highly regarded expert witness in law enforcement technology, use of force, and public safety, with extensive experience in state and federal courts. He pioneered independent studies on TASER devices, leading to his role at TASER International (now Axon Enterprise, Inc.) where he demonstrated their safety and efficacy. As a former law enforcement officer and a co-founder of a body camera company, Johnson has deep insights into policing realities and technological challenges. He collaborates with public safety organizations at all levels to develop tailored safety protocols and optimize operational efficiencies. His numerous peer-reviewed publications and global training sessions have significantly advanced law enforcement technology and public safety, empowering officers with practical tools and best practices.
© Mark Johnson, Milestone Systems
