M: I 24. Is Vision Zero Our Mission Impossible?

(To get the most out of this opening paragraph, it is recommended that you read it using your best IMF [Impossible Mission Force] voice.)

“Good morning (fill in your name) . . . . The men and women you are looking at -- .working with and flying with every day -- are highly trained and highly skilled air medical professionals. While they share many goals and objectives each and every flight, the primary mission, should you decide to accept, is to assure that Everyone comes home – safely! This is Vision Zero, zero errors of consequence, which can be achieved through Education, Awareness and Vigilance. This IMF presentation, will serve to educate you and each member of the team/audience about the biggest risk to Vision Zero – HEMS accidents.”
Over the past 25 years, the HEMS community has averaged nearly 11 accidents and 4 fatal accidents every year. While fatal accidents and fatalities have decreased in recent years, that has not always been the case. Fifteen years ago, HEMS accidents took the lives of 29 people in a single year. While this presentation will focus more closely on the past 25 years, it will include over 50 years of HEMS accident data. The statistics will include an annual analysis of the HEMS industry, looking at industry growth (number of helicopters), annual flight hours and annual accidents, allowing for an accurate calculation of HEMS accident rates and fatal accident rates leading up to AMTC 2024.
No matter how much we learn, how keenly we practice situational awareness and how vigilant we are, unfortunately, there will almost certainly be more accidents. But Vision Zero is possible! This presentation will conclude with an overview of several strategies that have the potential to improve overall HEMS safety.
This presentation will self-destruct after 60 minutes.