MEDICAL HELICOPTER SAFETY STUDY TO BE RELEASED
I have previous posted on www.chicagoaccidentinjurylawyer.com about the devastating, fatal crashes and significant dangers in the medical helicopter industry. It is evident that the industry needs extensive safety improvements to reduce the number of crashes.
The results of a study outlining the necessary improvements will be released this week. Textron, Inc.'s Bell Helicopter commissioned Aerospace Risk Management Inc. to perform a safety study to closely examine what steps should be taken to reduce the risks of medical helicopter flights. The study examines the structural and financial issues that may be at the root of the problem and is being described by aviation safety experts as the most comprehensive report ever about enhancing safety for patients and crews.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that there is strife within the industry regarding the study and its exposure of the risks of medical helicopter flights. Apparently some operators have stated that they will pull their orders from Bell Helicopter if the study is released under its name. The study has been turned over to Flight Safety Foundation, a safety advocacy organization supported by industry.
More than 30 organizations have provided data; however, members of the Air Medical Operators Association, which represents companies flying some of the largest emergency medical helicopter fleets, have been particularly critical. An association spokesman said "we didn't know what sources were used and we weren't part of the research."
Dave Downey, Bell Helicopters's vice president of safety, said "somebody needs to put the information out there in totality, without any bias." A Bell spokesman said the company ordered up the study to look at the root causes of accidents and that it will continue to pursue responsible measures to enhance safety.
