Stylized helicopter flying safely through a stormy sky, guided by safety protocols.

Safety Nets: How Air Medical Services Are Improving Incident Response

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A look into recent emergency events and the steps taken to enhance safety in air medical transport."

In the fast-paced world of air medical services, safety is the paramount concern. The Concern Network, a vital resource for sharing verified incident information, plays a crucial role in alerting medical transport programs to potential hazards. By participating in this network, both air and ground programs can stay informed and proactive in preventing accidents and improving response strategies.

This article delves into recent incident reports shared by the Concern Network, highlighting the challenges faced by air medical teams and the innovative solutions implemented to mitigate risks. From equipment malfunctions to adverse weather conditions, each incident serves as a valuable learning opportunity for the entire industry.

We will explore specific cases, analyze the contributing factors, and examine the corrective actions taken to enhance safety protocols. By sharing these experiences, we aim to foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the air medical community, ultimately ensuring the well-being of patients and crew members.

PED Placement Incident: A Near Miss

Stylized helicopter flying safely through a stormy sky, guided by safety protocols.

In January 2018, a Life Link III pilot experienced a harrowing situation involving a portable electronic device (PED). During the preflight process, the pilot used an approved PED, but upon completion, placed it on the aircraft floor, leaning against the center console. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft exhibited limited response to left cyclic input.

The pilot skillfully forced the cyclic left, regained full control, and safely landed the aircraft. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the PED had tipped over and wedged itself between the center console and the cyclic. The force exerted to regain control resulted in the PED breaking in half. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the incident prompted a thorough investigation.

Immediate Action: Guidance was immediately provided to crew members regarding the proper storage of approved PEDs during flight operations.
Proactive Measures: The operator reinforced training protocols, emphasizing the importance of securing all loose objects within the cockpit to prevent interference with flight controls.

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and attention to detail in the cockpit. While no process or procedural failures were initially identified, the operator took swift action to prevent similar occurrences by providing clear guidelines for PED storage during flight. Joseph Hennessy, Safety Manager, highlighted the importance of this proactive approach in maintaining a safe operating environment.

Commitment to Safety

The incidents reported through the Concern Network serve as valuable lessons for the air medical community. By openly sharing these experiences and implementing proactive safety measures, the industry demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of patients and crew members. As technology evolves and new challenges emerge, ongoing vigilance and collaboration will be essential in ensuring the highest standards of safety in air medical transport.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the most important aspect of air medical services?

The paramount concern in air medical services is safety. The implementation of rigorous protocols, in-flight procedures, and post-incident support systems underscores the commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards. This involves ongoing vigilance and collaboration within the air medical community to ensure that both patients and crew members are protected.

What is the role of the Concern Network?

The Concern Network is a vital resource for sharing verified incident information within the air medical community. This network alerts medical transport programs to potential hazards, allowing both air and ground programs to stay informed and take proactive measures to prevent accidents and improve response strategies. Its significance lies in fostering a culture of continuous improvement through shared experiences.

Can you explain the PED placement incident?

A Portable Electronic Device (PED) incident occurred in January 2018, where a Life Link III pilot placed a PED on the aircraft floor after using it during preflight. The PED tipped over and interfered with the cyclic, nearly causing an accident. The immediate action involved providing guidance to crew members regarding the proper storage of approved PEDs during flight operations. Proactive measures included reinforcing training protocols and emphasizing the importance of securing all loose objects within the cockpit. The implications of this incident highlight the importance of vigilance and attention to detail in the cockpit to prevent similar occurrences, ensuring a safe operating environment.

How did the operator respond to the PED incident?

The operator's response to the PED incident was swift and comprehensive. Immediate guidance was provided to crew members regarding the proper storage of approved PEDs. In addition, the operator reinforced training protocols, emphasizing the importance of securing all loose objects within the cockpit to prevent interference with flight controls. These actions demonstrate a commitment to learning from incidents and proactively mitigating risks. The operator's actions help prevent future incidents.

Why is sharing incident reports important?

The open sharing of incident reports through the Concern Network is crucial for the air medical community. These experiences serve as valuable lessons, and implementing proactive safety measures demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of patients and crew members. This approach fosters collaboration and allows the industry to evolve and ensure the highest standards of safety in air medical transport.