HEMS & COVID-19

[Yonez]

What is the consensus amongst HEMS pilots ref the COVID situation? I have recently read the article in Vertical mag & note the PPE issued to most US based operators, but what is the experience of UK based pilots? Are you able to maintain any form of decent distancing throughout your duty period? Being the only member of the crew that ain’t NHS employees, do you feel the management are asking a little much of their civvy drivers without ensuring the required levels of safety/protection?

[hillberg]

Ebola , Swine flu , AIDS and Hillary Clinton.....

This bug is nothing. More panic and excuses to control the sheeple

Arrests and resignations ongoing - The silent war continues

[nomorehelosforme]

Ebola , Swine flu , AIDS and Hillary Clinton.....

This bug is nothing. More panic and excuses to control the sheeple

Arrests and resignations ongoing - The silent war continues

Why bother even answering the question with that BS.

In answer to the question, socially distancing probably can’t work in any HEMS/EMS situation, offshore transfers and other flights that are deemed essential. Although many industries and businesses have been asked to close, essential businesses can continue to work.

You can ask all employers to provide the best PPE for any workplace you are in, or request vacation etc etc. obviously claims for pay, unemployment or furloughed situations are currently a minefield where ever you are in the world.

Stay safe.

[Jetscream 32]

Here in the UK the JRCALC have issued this: Section 5.1 refers https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-ambulance-trusts/covid-19-guidance-for-ambulance-trusts#identification-of-possible-cases

[nonsense]

Here in the UK the JRCALC have issued this: Section 5.1 refers https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-ambulance-trusts/covid-19-guidance-for-ambulance-trusts#identification-of-possible-cases5.1 Utilising the most appropriate conveying resourcePossible cases must not be conveyed by:


a response car
an Air Ambulance

[Fostex]

As Jetscream says, JRCALC guidance has been issued. My partner is a HEMS doc and as the document states they are doing no transfer/retrieval of incidents where Covid19 is suspected, they are going instead by road.

She is also of the impression that her HEMS service will go offline in days. There are is less RTC related trauma at present due to the associated lockdown, furthermore ED and Anaesthetics consultants are in demand at the minute in a hospital setting.

[homonculus]

Can I give some general advice for aircrew. HEMS arent grounded yet.

The important thing to remember is that 80% of infection is by aerosol. Treat ALL patients and bystanders as potentially positive. Keep the latter away. Putting a paper mask on the patient is a little help but I put a plastic oxygen mask on ALL patients as it stops most aerosol. No need to connect anything to it!

The real problem is intubation. Intubation can be done safely and is far safer than hand bagging a patient. It needs FFP3 masks and we have reusable plastic half face masks. You don it to intubate, then put it in a paper bag once the airway is isolated and use a normal helmet. Saliva and therefore suction equipment is high risk. Eye protection at all times so aircrew keep helmets on or have spare goggles. If not directly by a patient and not wearing a helmet, an ordinary mask is of no use and possible deleterious. Nitrile gloves and change them every sector.

All surfaces need regular cleaning with disinfectant or disinfectant wipes. Frames on doors get touched, headset connectors, seat controls, switches.

Aircrew are in the front so good ventilation will force air backwards. Remember our very high level helmets merely blow air inside a hood to keep us safe on ITU. Windows and vents fully open. Visors down at all times to deflect aerosol from both patient and medical crew. Dont share helmets or headsets - of course

Paper holds virus for 24 hours - pens are a source of cross infection

Hope this adds some practical advice to the published guidance which is more about direct patient care.

[DOUBLE BOGEY]

I heard that Urine is a very effective tool in the defence of COVID-19. So I have been drinking it for the past few weeks. The side benefit is that people stay at least 2m away cos my breath is heaving!
Be like DB, Drink wee!

[Torquetalk]

I heard that Urine is a very effective tool in the defence of COVID-19. So I have been drinking it for the past few weeks. The side benefit is that people stay at least 2m away cos my breath is heaving!
Be like DB, Drink wee!

Your taking the piss

[helicrazi]

https://flyinginireland.com/2020/03/air-ambulance-service-to-be-permanently-grounded/

first of many?

Sorry to hear this for those employed, always sad to see a service like this stop.

[Fostex]

https://flyinginireland.com/2020/03/air-ambulance-service-to-be-permanently-grounded/

first of many?

Sorry to hear this for those employed, always sad to see a service like this stop.

- This was nothing to do with Covid, they were over-tasked and under-budgeted, it was inevitable. It is extremely difficult for a HEMS service to survive purely as a charity.

[[email protected]]

How are they doing it in UK then?

[berlioz]

Can I give some general advice for aircrew. HEMS arent grounded yet.

The important thing to remember is that 80% of infection is by aerosol. Treat ALL patients and bystanders as potentially positive. Keep the latter away. Putting a paper mask on the patient is a little help but I put a plastic oxygen mask on ALL patients as it stops most aerosol. No need to connect anything to it!

The real problem is intubation. Intubation can be done safely and is far safer than hand bagging a patient. It needs FFP3 masks and we have reusable plastic half face masks. You don it to intubate, then put it in a paper bag once the airway is isolated and use a normal helmet. Saliva and therefore suction equipment is high risk. Eye protection at all times so aircrew keep helmets on or have spare goggles. If not directly by a patient and not wearing a helmet, an ordinary mask is of no use and possible deleterious. Nitrile gloves and change them every sector.

All surfaces need regular cleaning with disinfectant or disinfectant wipes. Frames on doors get touched, headset connectors, seat controls, switches.

Aircrew are in the front so good ventilation will force air backwards. Remember our very high level helmets merely blow air inside a hood to keep us safe on ITU. Windows and vents fully open. Visors down at all times to deflect aerosol from both patient and medical crew. Dont share helmets or headsets - of course

Paper holds virus for 24 hours - pens are a source of cross infection

Hope this adds some practical advice to the published guidance which is more about direct patient care.

Apart from all BS

Thanks for this, good advices and good practices will prevent people from being infected

[HughMartin]

I heard that Urine is a very effective tool in the defence of COVID-19. So I have been drinking it for the past few weeks. The side benefit is that people stay at least 2m away cos my breath is heaving!
Be like DB, Drink wee!

what's changed DB? You always were full of piss 🤪🤪

[Robbo Jock]

All fundraising avenues have been extinguished due to the COVID-19 pandemic

A good point. That will hold for UK air ambulances, too, how's it going to affect their funding?

[DOUBLE BOGEY]

Hi Hugh. You are not correct Sir!. Mostly in the past I was full of SH1T!. Now, as TqTq states, I am taking the piss.
How are you doing Hugh. I hope retirement is treating you well.

[PANews]

Devon Air Ambulance have shut down their air operation. Health and Safety. They could not get far enough from each other.
An extract from the press release statement is quite clear....
Heléna Holt, CEO, explains “Standing down our aircraft has been a very difficult decision for us to make but one we have had to take in order to protect all of our crew.”
She added “Whilst the paramedics wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when treating and conveying patients, our pilots cannot operate the aircraft wearing PPE. They also cannot maintain a 2 metre distance between them and the patient. As we have no way of knowing whether a patient has coronavirus, this leaves them completely exposed within a small confined space. We hope our community will understand that this is an unacceptable risk.
"Please be assured that this is a temporary measure and subject to continual review. We will be working with colleagues in the NHS to identify other ways in which we can support the pandemic response as it develops.
"I would like to thank all of our supporters not just for the donations but also for their messages of support during this extremely challenging time. We will do our best to maintain our service and keep being there for patients, albeit by road not air.”

There may be others in the coming days, but the balance reasons given may well be different.

Most UK air ambulance are reasonably well off but they may be embarrassed by some of the "reserves reducing" capital projects they have just launched!

As for the operation in Cork that committed suicide by over reaching its funding which was always tenuous.... there are simply not enough people in Ireland to support it. It was always going to need government funding.

[Bosbefok]

"As we have no way of knowing whether a patient has coronavirus, this leaves them completely exposed within a small confined space. We hope our community will understand that this is an unacceptable risk."

Really? That's more risky than facing an engine/gearbox/drive shaft or other critical component failure during a hoist rescue next to a cliff face?
I don't know, just tossing it out there. HEMS isn't for everyone. For those who've chosen it as a calling, do you abandon someone in need now because you don't know the risk? Or do you mitigate the risk as best you can, and hope that your number isn't up?
I'll take my chances with it. In all likelihood, many of us will end up infected in the long run in any event.

[helicrazi]

Hems doesn't winch in the uk... SAR does and is still operating.

[Bosbefok]

Hems doesn't winch in the uk... SAR does and is still operating.
Noted. I'm not in the UK, same discussions and concerns this side of the puddle

[nomorehelosforme]

Wonder how long it will be before we see an announcement from Wiltshire Air Ambulance....

[helicrazi]

Noted. I'm not in the UK, same discussions and concerns this side of the puddle

O&G aircraft also still operating with suspected cases onboard, procedures in place for separation and PPE etc

[PANews]

Yorkshire has grounded one H145 and is now reliant upon a single aircraft.

As expected there is a slightly different reason in that the complement no longer has a doctor on board ..... sending the medical staff to the hospitals where they are needed.

With the fall in trauma cases I can see more of the helicopters grounded.

Oddly that document earlier recommending that COVID-19 cases are not carried was either not widely circulated or not read by all. I guess there are lots similar documents in circulation at the moment.

[NutLoose]

Admirable as it is in these days of risk, one hopes it does not effect the livelihood of any pilots who’s living depends on it in these times of people being laid off.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11290259/coronavirus-prince-william-air-ambulance-return/

[Sloppy Link]

And in contradiction....
https://www.daat.org/news/devon-air-ambulance-stands-down-aircraft

[Hughes500]

What is wrong with DAAT ? Seem to remember years ago flying a Gazelle in an S10 respirator and NBC suit, wasn't that difficult

[chopper2004]

Duke Of Cambridge wants to return back to the cockpit and fly HEMs back in our neck of the woods Good on him....

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8169567/Prince-William-wants-RETURN-NHS-air-ambulance-pilot.html

cheers

[Islandlad]

Admirable as it is in these days of risk, one hopes it does not effect the livelihood of any pilots who’s living depends on it in these times of people being laid off.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11290259/coronavirus-prince-william-air-ambulance-return/
Just big PR. He could drive a road ambulance or work at the Excel NHS Nightingale Hospital. Plenty of pilots who are current can do the flying.

[Roundhill150]

Ebola , Swine flu , AIDS and Hillary Clinton.....

This bug is nothing. More panic and excuses to control the sheeple

Arrests and resignations ongoing - The silent war continues

What an idiot.

[Fostex]

Does anyone have any documented cases of medical retrieval flight crews, rotary or fixed, being infected and suffering serious complications as a result of Covid-19 exposure.

I had some numbers quoted to me yesterday of 2 x crew requiring ventilation and 1 x crew fatality as a result of operating in an aircraft transporting Covid19 patients within the UK. I am interested in this from a risk assessment point of view and did a cursory attempt at fact changing these details but drew a blank. Can anyone support the above with reputable data?

[DOUBLE BOGEY]

While not wanting to sound laissez-faire, EMS pilots refusing to soldier because of the COVID-19 risks is not really cricket is it! Flying an EMS helicopter is a great privilege, not at all, like hard work and for the most part, regarded as a glamorous job by the great unwashed. Now the great unwashed really do need our help. Abandoning them cos it just got a little bit unpleasant is distasteful in my view., You take the rough with the smooth. The courage and determination of the hospital staff should be an example to us all to keep going as long as there is fuel in the tanks and a valid CofA. Its easy to hide behind risk assessments, management policies etc but we are all born with a backbone (most of us anyway). Now is the time to exercise it a bit! Blubbing like a big jessie cos there's a nasty bug going around. D&C should be ashamed.

[nomorehelosforme]

Thames Valley Air Ambulance asking for help with PPE

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-52106679Thames Valley Air Ambulance has urged businesses to donate protective kit because staff are "lacking the most suitable equipment" to use during the coronavirus pandemic.

The charity is not included in the official personal protective equipment (PPE) distribution system.

But it said a "major shortage" meant its staff could be left without PPE.

It said it was "inevitable" they would come into contact with coronavirus patients.

The charity, which is based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, said it was "keen not to add pressure to official stocks if possible".

It currently serves Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire and has urged businesses to donate items including surgical masks and anti-bacterial wipes.

[helicrazi]

Does anyone have any documented cases of medical retrieval flight crews, rotary or fixed, being infected and suffering serious complications as a result of Covid-19 exposure.

I had some numbers quoted to me yesterday of 2 x crew requiring ventilation and 1 x crew fatality as a result of operating in an aircraft transporting Covid19 patients within the UK. I am interested in this from a risk assessment point of view and did a cursory attempt at fact changing these details but drew a blank. Can anyone support the above with reputable data?

Not UK, but sadly a spanish hems pilot in babcock spain has sadly lost is life in the line of duty after contracting covid-19

[[email protected]]

Not UK, but sadly a spanish hems pilot in babcock spain has sadly lost is life in the line of duty after contracting covid-19 DB - a small flaw in your gung-ho plan perhaps?

The point is to stop transmission, not work until you get it.

It seems clear that the level of exposure has a lot to do with the severity of what you get from it.

[helicrazi]

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/720x225/20200331_162521_5cc0fc975cf5b29dbae327dca50e94f72cfbaebf.jpg

this was posted on linkedin by his colleague, condolences to his family and friends, godspeed.

[Fostex]

It seems clear that the level of exposure has a lot to do with the severity of what you get from it.

Quite correct, most severe cases in otherwise healthy individuals involve exposure to a high viral load. Such a load may arise during aerosol generating procedures arising from artificial airway support and ventilation. These are common procedures in a HEMS pre-hospital setting. Despite the best precautions flight crew may be exposed, that risk needs to be balanced up by just how critical the service is at the moment. A HEMS crew mostly attending trauma calls in an urban/sub-urban setting are less in demand that a crew whose role is more frequently Specialist Transfer and Retrieval from remote rural locations. It would be sensible to take the former off line, the latter probably needs to continue throughout the Covid19 pandemic.

[Fostex]

Not UK, but sadly a spanish hems pilot in babcock spain has sadly lost is life in the line of duty after contracting covid-19

Thanks for that - very sad and condolences to the family. The fatality I had quoted to me was mentioned as being Babcock crew, I assumed in error that it was a UK crew.

[Macaco Norte]

Yorkshire to be grounded completely, probably by end of week. All paramedics going back to support new corona hospital being set up in Harrogate.

[chopper2004]

Mate of mine flies from Babcock in Italy with H145....they started to wear surgical masks And gloves since beginning of March..,..and fine operating that way safely.. It not ideal it’s not exactly like the mil AR5 respirator etc but better than nothing.

Slightly digressing With PPE, on BBC Look East Tuesday night, interviews pair of ladies who are carers. Before they go into one of their clients houses, they don one piece green suitmand hood, and full face respirator ...(sounds familiar to those fo us who have done NBC training the old days). when they leave the premises they’re go through decontam drills ( am sure it would frighten the hell out of a lot of Some old folk dressed like that). One of the ladies said it was difficult to communicate through the respirator and am sure it be even worse for those who are hard of hearing.


Some good news though , BP wants to supply free fuel to UK HeMS ops

https://www.heliopsmag.com/air-bp-to-supply-free-fuel-to-a-number-of-air-ambulance-services-in-england-and-wales

and also Cornwall new AW169 commenced ops as of yesterday .

https://cornwallairambulancetrust.org/new-helicopter-takes-off-on-first-mission/

Best of luck all and hope to hell the crisis levels out and begins to go away with all the social isolation, and our HeMs charities get backing from HMG at this time

Cheers

[chopper2004]

Why bother even answering the question with that BS.

In answer to the question, socially distancing probably can’t work in any HEMS/EMS situation, offshore transfers and other flights that are deemed essential. Although many industries and businesses have been asked to close, essential businesses can continue to work.

You can ask all employers to provide the best PPE for any workplace you are in, or request vacation etc etc. obviously claims for pay, unemployment or furloughed situations are currently a minefield where ever you are in the world.

Stay safe.

From my other neck of the wooS: in 🇩🇪🇦🇹 Could this work ?? And it would not hamper flight safety especially those who fly H145.

Cheerz


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[[email protected]]

A face mask but no gloves???? he has not read the guidance I guess

[DOUBLE BOGEY]

And it would hamper flight safety especially those who fly H145.

How would it hamper flight safety??? If he can talk through the filter and see through his visor - Job Done.

[Flying Bull]

A face mask but no gloves???? he has not read the guidance I guess

well, the GTN750, which you use/need for changing frequencies, is a touchscreen
wont work with most gloves....
so desinfect the hands before and after each flight 😏

[chopper2004]

How would it hamper flight safety??? If he can talk through the filter and see through his visor - Job Done.

Beg your pardon I forgot to put the NOT in the sentence as I was typing from my ipad lol... so job done and think said pilot probably wore gloves for flying just not at that point of the photo shoot.

Cheers

[Evil Twin]

well, the GTN750, which you use/need for changing frequencies, is a touchscreen
wont work with most gloves....
so desinfect the hands before and after each flight 😏

Really? Our 750’s work fine with gloved hands. I do wear touch screen compatible nomex gloves but they operate the 750 and iPad perfectly well

[[email protected]]

FB - surely they should be disinfecting the GTN750 every flight

[trim it out]

Really? Our 750’s work fine with gloved hands. I do wear touch screen compatible nomex gloves but they operate the 750 and iPad perfectly well
I can confirm GTNs work fine with cape leather gloves too 👍🏼

[Radgirl]

The issue is not only the masks and gloves but how you put them on and take them off.

Flying overalls are quite good as they are absorbent. They will absorb the fomite so as long as you remove them without contaminating your hands and leave them to dry for 24 hours you probably will be somewhat protected. But leather jackets on top add to the complexity. How do you don and doff helmets, and clean them, and after all that we have a picture of everyone huddled together potentially touching contaminated aprons.

We are now ever more aware that the severity of the illness is proportionate to viral load. In flight with vents open and side windows open the pilot is somewhat protected, and even the medical crew will be breathing low ppm. However, on the ground posing together for a photo just increases risk

Stay safe. Think before you touch. Assess if you can distance. Wash hands again and again

[PANews]

The latest 'casualties' are the second Yorkshire aircraft and Northern Ireland's Air Ambulance, the latter grounded as specialist medical staff are diverted to deal with the pandemic.

The suspension of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service came into effect at 7pm on April 3.

Most of the others have said they are continuing but I suspect others will inevitably join those grounded.

[Arcal76]

We are here to provide a service !!
Do they do social distancing inside hospitals ?????
We clean all time everything, we monitor ourselves, if anybody as symptoms, he is off for 3 weeks. We do what we can.
Are you gone shut down any ambulance running in the world ????

[onceajungly]

Has anyone seen or had access to a comprehensive aviation risk management plan for conducting HEMS during COVID19 and/or inter hospital transfers with known or suspected COVID19 patients?

[handysnaks]

Arcal76. What do you do to mitigate the risk for the average 5 days before any symptoms show or if any of your crews are asymptomatic?

[finalchecksplease]

Arcal76. What do you do to mitigate the risk for the average 5 days before any symptoms show or if any of your crews are asymptomatic?

IMHO the best way to mitigates to pair the crews (front & rear + engineering) together and if one of them show symptoms isolate them all, this way you reduce the chance of cross contamination. Also no face to face handovers between crews.
You can always make a case to your NAA to get exemptions for the FTL requirements if rostering this way infringes these, especially if one crew needs to self isolate.

[Fostex]

That is true but in terms of most HEMS crews, flight and clinical are operating completely different rotas.

For example, considering a single aircraft HEMS crew of Pilot + TCM/Para + Doc the team serving that aircraft might consist of...

2 pilots, each working 15 days/mth
6 para, each working 5 days/mth
15 docs, each working 2 days/mth

Working means with the aircraft, ready to be tasked, other duties not considered.

Based on the above.

- It will almost impossible to consistently pair crews
- If ventilated patients are being transferred and AGPs carried out, the pilots have the potential to get considerable exposure to AGPs. Meaning high viral load and an associated greater risk of morbidity.
- The critical path in terms of resourcing the crew is the pilots getting sick and needing to isolate.

[Radgirl]

If ventilated patients are being transferred and AGPs carried out, the pilots have the potential to get considerable exposure to AGPs

It is intubation that is a AGP. Once the patient is intubated the airway is isolated and no aerosol produced. Intubation in the cabin must be very rare and is poor clinical judgement. Certainly you would NEVER need to do so on a known Covis 19 positive patient. So if the pilot stays back and wears a FFP3 mask or a reusable mask with a P3 filter plus eye protection there is no risk

[Arcal76]

We do what has been told to us.
If we any symptoms or temperature above 38 C, we are out of the building, we are not allowed to stay in this case We check our temperature every time we enter the building.
Yes, it is not perfect since you could have the virus with no symptoms, but it is the same for everybody since we only test people who have symptoms in Canada.
We also have a land ambulance system operated by our company, so the dispatch decide with our doctors what is the best way to transfer this patient.
You do have to transfer patients who are possibly positive but do not have their test result yet.
Everybody is aware, we don't minimize the potential risk and we know it is there.
Our system try to manage it, we do a lot of cleaning, like never before, office, keyboard, cockpit, everything.
I went to trough SARS 2002/2003, H1N1 2009, we never did so much.
We have been asked to be available any time when we are off to be able to provide the service.

[Jimmy.]

An Italian HEMS pilot named Stefano Burigana shared an Operator's Safety Bulletin on his profile on LinkedIn that may be useful for someone.

[cpt]

An Italian HEMS pilot named Stefano Burigana shared an Operator's Safety Bulletin on his profile on LinkedIn that may be useful for someone.

Thank you Jimmy for this synoptic but comprehensive document.

[nomorehelosforme]

Latest updates from UK HEMS, whilst dealing with Covid 19

Cornwall Air Ambulance will hopefully be assisting Devon Air Ambulance with their new AW 169

https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/cornwall-air-ambulance-cover-devon-4013938

Cornwall Air Ambulance may cover parts of Devon while the Devon Air Ambulance is grounded due to coronavirus concerns.

The Devon helicopter is grounded after declaring that the danger of exposure to a patient with coronavirus 'is an unacceptable risk'.
A statement explained that its pilots were unable to fly the aircraft while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

The nature of the aircraft means they come into close contact with patients, and there is no way of knowing if they have coronavirus or not.

And RAF helping Scottish Ambulance.No masks here???

https://www.heliopsmag.com/raf-helicopters-support-scottish-ambulance-service-trials

[TUPE]

And RAF helping Scottish Ambulance.No masks here???

https://www.heliopsmag.com/raf-helicopters-support-scottish-ambulance-service-trials

Trial with a manikin in a pod. Why would they wear masks?

[Fostex]

More realistic sim. When using PPE need to consider the time needed to don the equipment and the deficits which might be suffered to dexterity and communication through its usage. Some tasks become difficult when wearing PPE and the difficulties suffered are not intuitive prior to actually simming the scenarios with all stakeholders presence.

The one caveat is that as little PPE should be wasted during this process. In the lead up to Covid19 I witnessed criminal amounts of PPE being wasted during fit testing...

[trim it out]

More realistic sim. When using PPE need to consider the time needed to don the equipment and the deficits which might be suffered to dexterity and communication through its usage. Some tasks become difficult when wearing PPE and the difficulties suffered are not intuitive prior to actually simming the scenarios with all stakeholders presence.

The one caveat is that as little PPE should be wasted during this process. In the lead up to Covid19 I witnessed criminal amounts of PPE being wasted during fit testing...
Your second point is particularly pertinent and I fully agree.

With regards to your first point, for all we know this was only one of many ROC drills where they ramped up the "realism" in stages. The next one could have been rotors running to take away the ability to communicate by voice, who knows.

[nomorehelosforme]

Here is an option to avoid PPE and still protect the pilots, shown here in an AW 139, seems a safe solution to potentially problems?

https://www.heliopsmag.com/chc-based-in-den-helder-fit-safety-divider-for-aw139A team of CHC engineers, based in Den Helder, Netherlands, has developed and fitted a plastic flexible cockpit/cabin divider that can be fitted to their AW139 fleet.

Highlighting real team work and collaboration between their technical services, maintenance, type technical pilots and management the system has been approved by, Leonardo Helicopters, the CAA-NL and Netherlands based customers. They are now working closely with the UK CAA and hope to receive approval later this week.
EMEA Senior Manager Maintenance Lee James, explained: “The development, approval and introduction of a new piece of equipment would usually take many months. We have achieved this – from first idea to implementation in daily flight routine – in two weeks.”

[topik22]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.resgateaeromedico.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IN-3492-25-Rev0-EN.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwijx-D09tvoAhWi-ioKHdZ5B8gQFjAPegQIBxAB&usg=AOvVaw1XTdKric22w-lcTVNqAW8x


Airbus helicopters cockpit isolation.

[chopper2004]

Here’s what Argentine HEMs operator Modena is using for its BO105 crews.

cheers


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[Radgirl]

I am really posting to help those pilots doing this work as opposed to those just interested

The Italian photos show the use of FFP2 masks for the medical crew which do not protect them from AFPs. Not sure if the pilot's mask is FFP2 or FFP3 but unless you are actually joining in the intubation or lifting / moving the stretcher from the patient's head end an FFP2 meets the current guidelines.

The face shields are fine, but no better than a helmet with visor so I would just disconnect and leave my helmet on - changing from helmet to shield and back again is high risk. You cant do it without TWO hand cleans plus change of gloves plus container for helmet and shield and ideally a face and neck wash!! With a patient in the cab!!

The plastic coveralls again are questionable - flying overalls are as good. Just wash them. But my main gripe is the pilot has no gloves on and is touching his coveralls.

Unless you are transferring covid19 patients (and I see absolutely no indication) the patient is low risk. The risk is from the close proximity to ground crew, ops and especially the medical crew who may have been on a Covid 19 ward the day before!!!! Stay away from them. You can only get infected if the virus in their sputum gets into your airway. So masks for them and you at all times, wear gloves, and consider everything you touch to be contaminated so dont touch your face with your hands / gloves. The best way to achieve this is to keep your helmet on and visor down from walking out to changing at the end of shift and get someone to give you a lesson in donning and doffing or look online

As for the cabin isolation engineering, that only works if NOBODY in the front ever mixes with ANYONE in the back between proper cabin cleans at base. No paramedic in the front left seat. No pilot touching the stretcher, carrying cases or oxygen or helping with loading......Why not just stay in the cab, keep the front left seat empty and save your money

[Fostex]

You can only get infected if the virus in their sputum gets into your airway.

Obviously not true, Transmission can occur via aerosol droplets but also via fomite transfer and either process may infect exposed mucosae (mouth and nose) or conjunctiva (eyes).

As for the cabin isolation engineering, that only works if NOBODY in the front ever mixes with ANYONE in the back between proper cabin cleans at base. No paramedic in the front left seat. No pilot touching the stretcher, carrying cases or oxygen or helping with loading......Why not just stay in the cab, keep the front left seat empty and save your money

That is indeed sensible but may not be possible in HEMS EASA-land with a requirement for a TCM up front with the pilot. In a light heli like a 135 or 145 the TCM is usually a shared role fulfilled by the para. The doc being the pax in the back.

[Radgirl]

Exactly Fostex - that is why I was sceptical about cabin separation.

We also agree about transmission. I was pointing out the only way to get infected was to get virus from an infected person's airway into yours. There are indeed three ways this can happen:

Droplet from coughs and sneezes. A FFP2 mask on both the patient and recipient aims to stop this

Aerosol, mostly from intubation. A FFP3 mask is needed

Virus in sputum surviving as a fomite on surfaces and then being picked up on hands and transferred to the mouth. Gloves and not touching your face prevents this.

Glad of the opportunity to clarify. We need to give our colleagues clear advice and information. If anyone wants to PPM me please do and I will try my best to advise

Stay safe

[Fostex]

No animosity intended RG, your posts to this forum are both authoritative and always useful.

[Stitchbitch]

Does anyone know what is happening in the U.K. with regards to front seat crew PPE? There seems to be quite a few variations on a theme.

I ask as the company I work for are working hard to get a local solution for U.K. based Alpha helmet wearers and hope to have a stop gap half face respirator available, prior to the long term Gentex solution making its appearance (LPPR).

For anyone with experience of flying in FFP3 face masks, does the boom mic work effectively while wearing face masks or would a mask mounted mic be preferable/essential?

Opinions on wether a helmet mounted respirator solution would be better (put on/take off like an oxygen mask using side mounted connectors) than a completely separate
over the head face hugger type would also be welcome.

Best regards to those doing the biz during these times.

[Aser]

I have done a couple of flights with FFP2/3 (EC135), it works but reducing the vox to minimum. I can't comment on the hood/half face mask etc.

[Radgirl]

A single use FFP3 mask must be a complete seal so you have to be FIT tested using a hood and aerosols or there is a computer FIT test. If you arent FIT test it may be useless. A single use FFP3 mask must not be deformed so you cant push the mic into it. It only works for about 4 hours - written on the box - and provided it isnt wet.

Reusable FFP3 masks can be self tested because you can check you can create a vacuum. They are more comfortable. The filters last for weeks. The filters on the 7000 series from 3M are in a plastic casing and weather proof. BUT you must make sure the filter is classified as P3 - there are 7 different types of filter and P3 are in short supply. Using any other filter gives no protection...(a P2 will give the same as an ordinary surgical mask)

I have limited experience with a helmet mounted mask but I found it didnt provide a complete seal so useless for providing a viral barrier

The 3M 7000 series would be easy to mount a mic on the inside before sealing the plastic with sealant. I can easily make myself understood without shouting so an external boom mic may be OK and it doesnt matter of it touches the mask, but if anyone has used one with a standard mic I would be interested to hear.

[9Aplus]

Here some EHA information notice => the best practices applied by our members in the various EU Countries.
http://www.eha-heli.eu/images/News/Information_NoticE_FINAL_090420.pdf

Regarding the mic and mask, some solution here -> https://www.heliopsmag.com/tiger-performance-products-develops-respirator-mask-configuration-for-aviation-use

Also => look for some existing throat mic solutions from Kenwood, Motorola and similar, with price level 30 USD and up,
your local avionic shop can easy adapt one.

[Radgirl]

Good points. Just one thing I would add:

The virus is pathetic. It is easily destroyed by soap and water or detergent or indeed almost any cleaning fluid. The instruction to wash your hands for 20 seconds or whatever is to ensure all parts of the hands are washed - you dont need to keep the cleaner in contact for 20 seconds or immerse items unless it is the easiest thing to do. There is a concern less surfaces will be cleaned less frequently due to being over zealous or running out of 'approved' agents. I normally walk around with a disposable disinfectant cloth so that my gloves are continually being re soaked in the cleaner and so every door handle I touch is also touched by the cleaner....Maintenance rags soaked in washing up liquid or soapy water are probably just as good and hold their liquid much longer

[pilot1234567]

Ebola , Swine flu , AIDS and Hillary Clinton......

This bug is nothing. More panic and excuses to control the sheeple

Arrests and resignations ongoing - The silent war continues

You are not a smart person. I'm sure you think you are, but that's just the Dunning-Kruger Effect

[NutLoose]

EGNX today

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49806337586_367fc5a619_c.jpg

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https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49805783968_ffbf2d6d30_c.jpg

[jimf671]

Hems doesn't winch in the uk... SAR does and is still operating.

And with a sensible range of precautions and constraints.

[newty74]

Here some EHA information notice => the best practices applied by our members in the various EU Countries.
http://www.eha-heli.eu/images/News/Information_NoticE_FINAL_090420.pdf

Regarding the mic and mask, some solution here -> https://www.heliopsmag.com/tiger-performance-products-develops-respirator-mask-configuration-for-aviation-use

Also => look for some existing throat mic solutions from Kenwood, Motorola and similar, with price level 30 USD and up,
your local avionic shop can easy adapt one.

I'm investigating throat mics for use in 2 pilot jet cockpits - the masks muffle our speech. This is one company I've been emailing back and forth to customise it for my needs.

https://iasus-concepts.com/

[QTG]

Wait till you hear someone vomiting while wearing a throat mic!