Safety Committee

Nelson County EMS

Bardstown, KY

January 23, 2006

 

Meeting called to order at 1825.

 

Services Present

Air Evac

STATCARE

Life Net

 

Members Present

Walter Middleton         Melody Price

Kim Phelps                   James Tucker

Beverly Ford                JC Pendleton

Donald Hare                 Lisa Nicholls

 

Old Business

 

Beverly asks the members if the air to air frequency is being used, especially during scene flights.  It was noted that some services are using the frequency regularly in congested air space, but not as often on scene flights.  Pilot Tucker noted he had an incident where he did use the frequency and another service, which was on the frequency, ignored his calls and proceeded to land at a scene.

 

Since KY AAMS can only strongly suggest that the air to air frequency be used by all services, whether in a controlled airspace or at a scene, it was suggested that this issue be discussed with all lead pilots and that they enforce the use of this frequency with their pilots.  With EMS and hospitals calling multiple aircraft to a scene to see who can get there first, no one should ignore an aid to make everyone safe and avoid a potential accident.

 

Also, KY AAMS will schedule a pilot’s only meeting during the first part of March.  Place, date and time will be determined.  We will try and find a place that is central for all (maybe at an airport where on duty crews can participate).  It was suggested that these meetings occur quarterly.

 

New Business

 

Education – Kim notes a NAACS class will not occur at the KY EMS Conference and Expo, but will take place in Louisville during August 5 – 6, 2006.  Confirmation on conference location and any additional information should occur later this week or early next week.  Kim will forward any information to KY AAMS.

If anyone has a lecture that they would like to present during the KY EMS Conference, on behalf of KY AAMS (i.e. LZ Safety), please submit your name and lecture topic to Eva at Nelson County EMS.  

 

JC notes that the FAA has a LZ safety DVD available for flight services.  The video can be used in part during your safety / LZ presentation.  JC notes also that all services need to further educate hospital staff on “helicopter shopping” during bad weather.  Please emphasize to the hospital that this is a very unsafe practice that will lead to an accident.

 

No other business or discussion.

 

Next meeting will be March 20th, Nelson County EMS at 1800.

 

Meeting adjourned at 1855.

 

 

Respectively Submitted,

 

 

Beverly Ford