I'm in my 9th year EMS-ing in the US-
- Regulations
Same regulation as what used to be called air taxi, some industry specific rules enforced by way of operating certificate approval.
- Type of contract between the hospitals and companies
I've only done non-affiliated, what's called "community based", and we're compensated 100% by fee for service, generally through the insurance coverage. Charity by accident, about half the trauma requests.
- Type of helicopter used
Single engine VFR, single pilot, AS350.
- Composition of flight crew and medical
Single pilot, IFR rated.
Flight nurse, most of ours were paramedics before nurse.
And, a flight paramedic.
Lots of initials after everybody's names. I just fly.
- Licensing of pilots and crew members
I hold an FAA airline transport rating certificate.
- Type of flight: VFR, IFR or NGV
We're VFR only. NVGs promised for years, and 2010 looks like it may happen this time.
- Etc. ..
In the US, helicopter medical transport is almost purely a commercial enterprise, very competitive in the market my program serves. I've seen single-ship shoestring operations come and go in the local area, as well as big 'established' operations.
I am currently doing a personal study on the HEMS and would like to get an idea of the delay we have in France compared with our foreign colleagues.