Tuesday, December 1, 2009

** California air ambulance lacked recommended safety equipment at time of fatal November crash

** California medic honored for bravery in subduing knife wielding patient

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A lack of both night vision equipment and terrain warning indicators may have contributed to the November 14th fatal crash of an air ambulance near the California/Nevada border. That, at least, is the supposition being dangled by the Washington Post (Mary Pat Flaherty/November 28) which said the Mountain Lifeflight chopper also lacked an autopilot system which might have aided in keeping the aircraft level and on course. According to the newspaper, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended all three safety features be standard fare on medical flights. In the case of Mountain Lifeflight, the crash is the second in seven years. In 2002, a helicopter pilot drove into a lake after becoming disoriented;he died and two other crew members were injured in the mishap. Company spokesman Brian Gray said his business had been seeking guidance from federal agencies on enhancing chopper safety prior to the November accident. He said the process was frustrating because NTSB recommendations do not always jive with those touted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

** A Chico, California paramedic will be awarded a meritorious medal for bravery Wednesday, after he talked a knife wielding patient out of attacking hospital ER personnel. The Chico Enterprise-Record (November 28) said Butte County practitioner Jeremiah Glass is being given the commendation by the California EMS Authority. According to the newspaper, Glass stepped between the patient and medical staff at Oroville Hospital last December 23 after the man began threatening workers. At Glass’ behest, the patient stood down from his attack attempts prior to injuring anyone.