The 60km high cloud of ash that erupted from a volcano in Iceland is causing air traffic problems all over Europe. The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance transports that were supposed to take place today could sadly enough not go ahead. Until further notice the aircrafts are grounded.
Many people ask themselves what implications a volcanic cloud could have on airplanes and flights. We will give you an insight on how volcanic cloud training is addressed;
The pilots are tested on the correct implementation of the procedures underneath when a volcanic cloud is recognized by the pilot and in case the cloud could not be avoided. Each operator's flight operations manuals include more specific directions.
1. Reduce thrust to idle immediately. By reducing thrust, engines may suffer less buildup of molten debris on turbine blades and hot-section components. Idle thrust allows engines to continue producing electrical power, bleed air for pressurization, and hydraulic power for airplane control.
2. Turn the auto-throttles off. This prevents the engines from increasing thrust above idle. Ash debris in the engine can result in reduced surge margins, and limiting the number of thrust adjustments improves the chances of engine recovery.
3. Exit the ash cloud as quickly as possible. A 180-deg turn out of the ash cloud using a descending turn is the quickest exit strategy. Many ash clouds extend for hundreds of miles, so assuming that the encounter will end shortly can be false. Climbing out of the ash could result in increased engine debris buildup as the result of increased temperatures. The increased engine build-up can cause total loss of thrust.
4. Turn on engine and wing anti-ice devices and all air-conditioning packs. These actions improve the engine stall margins by increasing the flow of bleed air.
5. If possible, start the auxiliary power unit (APU). The APU can power systems in the event of a multiple-engine power loss. It can also be used to restart engines through the use of APU bleed air.
6. If volcanic dust fills the flight deck, the crew may need to use oxygen. Use flight deck oxygen at the 100 percent setting. Manual deployment of the passenger oxygen system is not required because it will deploy automatically if the cabin altitude exceeds 14,000 ft.
7. Turn on the continuous ignition. Confirm that auto-start is on, if available. In the event that the engines flame out or stall, use appropriate procedures to restart the engines. During restart, the engines may take longer than normal to reach idle thrust due to the combined effects of high altitude and volcanic ash ingestion. If an engine fails to start, try restarting it again immediately. Flight crews should remember that the airplane may be out of the air-start envelope if the encounter occurs during cruise.
8. Monitor engine exhaust gas temperature (EGT). Because of potential engine debris buildup, the EGT can climb excessively. The flight crew should prevent EGT exceedances. Shut down the engine and restart it if the EGT is approaching limits similar to a hung start.
9. Fly the airplane by monitoring airspeed and pitch attitude. If necessary, follow the procedure for flight with unreliable airspeed.
viernes, 16 de abril de 2010
martes, 13 de abril de 2010
Jet Rescue flies home a critically ill UK patient from Cancun
Cancun, Mexico – In April 2010 Jet Rescue Air Ambulance transported on one of its air ambulances an UK tourist that had experienced serious medical problems while on a dream vacation in Cancun, Mexico.
The patient was diagnosed with the Guillain-Barre syndrome. The Guillan-Barre syndrom is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks itself. This specific syndrome can occur at any age, but is most common in people between ages 25 and 50.
The Guillain-Barre syndrome causes inflammation that damages parts of nerves. This nerve damage causes tingling, muscle weakness, and paralysis. The inflammation usually affects the nerve's covering. Such damage is called demyelination. Demyelination slows nerve signaling and damage to other parts of the nerve can cause the nerve to stop working. Immediate treatment is required.
Both Cancun doctors and family decided it was better for the patient to be transported back to the UK in order to receive adequate medical care. As always it was important for Jet Rescue that the patient and its family did not get confronted with the burden of all the bureaucracy, paperwork and hassle that comes with an air ambulance transport. In Mexico the language and especially the cultural barrier can cause big delays and frustration to the patient and its family.
The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance multilingual flight coordination department made all the necessary arrangements to fly this patient back home, bedside to bedside. It sadly enough does not take much for your dream vacation to turn into a nightmare. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance always stresses for people to check if they are covered for air ambulance transportation when travelling abroad.
With the rising cost of medical fees overseas, foreign facilities not accepting US or European Insurance and sometimes sub standard medical care it is important to buy a decent travel protection plan.
A few preventative steps you should take before you actually go on your dream vacation;
- Get a travel insurance that covers medical cost & evacuation.
- Ask your insurance company if there is a manual with standard procedures in case of emergencies such as an accident/illness.
- Always have the 24h emergency phone number on you (this might be the phone number of an assistance company in case the insurance company outsourced this activity).
The patient was diagnosed with the Guillain-Barre syndrome. The Guillan-Barre syndrom is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks itself. This specific syndrome can occur at any age, but is most common in people between ages 25 and 50.
The Guillain-Barre syndrome causes inflammation that damages parts of nerves. This nerve damage causes tingling, muscle weakness, and paralysis. The inflammation usually affects the nerve's covering. Such damage is called demyelination. Demyelination slows nerve signaling and damage to other parts of the nerve can cause the nerve to stop working. Immediate treatment is required.
Both Cancun doctors and family decided it was better for the patient to be transported back to the UK in order to receive adequate medical care. As always it was important for Jet Rescue that the patient and its family did not get confronted with the burden of all the bureaucracy, paperwork and hassle that comes with an air ambulance transport. In Mexico the language and especially the cultural barrier can cause big delays and frustration to the patient and its family.
The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance multilingual flight coordination department made all the necessary arrangements to fly this patient back home, bedside to bedside. It sadly enough does not take much for your dream vacation to turn into a nightmare. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance always stresses for people to check if they are covered for air ambulance transportation when travelling abroad.
With the rising cost of medical fees overseas, foreign facilities not accepting US or European Insurance and sometimes sub standard medical care it is important to buy a decent travel protection plan.
A few preventative steps you should take before you actually go on your dream vacation;
- Get a travel insurance that covers medical cost & evacuation.
- Ask your insurance company if there is a manual with standard procedures in case of emergencies such as an accident/illness.
- Always have the 24h emergency phone number on you (this might be the phone number of an assistance company in case the insurance company outsourced this activity).
martes, 6 de abril de 2010
Jet Rescue´s new helicopter emergency medical service!
Mexico City - Jet Rescue Air Ambulance is proud to announce the opening of a new business unit based in Mexico City. The “Critical Air” business unit offers emergency evacuation by means of its A-119 Koala air ambulance helicopter.
Quick response teams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in all weather conditions to ensure rapid and reliable medical retrieval in times of emergency. The helicopter, an A-119 Koala, is specially equipped to transport patients and medical crew. The helicopter can be deployed to even the most remote locations.
The A-119 Koala Helicopter is unique amongst single turbine powered helicopters, with a cabin volume that is approx 30% greater than other helicopters in its class. It has a cruise speed of 270 km/h and a maximum range of 1000 km.
The specially equipped air ambulance helicopter can accommodate up to two stretchers together with the medical crew. The internal layout includes provision for the installation of all necessary medical equipment to treat patients during transport. Two standard rails are positioned both in the cabin rear bulkhead and on upper side panels that include outlets for oxygen, emergency air and power.
Critical Air Helicopter Operations
• Urgent responses to major accidents, emergencies and neo-natal cases.
• Typical emergency scenarios include accidents where specialist on-scene medical care is required.
• Rescue of patients who find themselves in rugged terrain or remote locations.
• Helicopter retrieval incorporates both pre-hospital rescue and inter-hospital transfer services.
Quick response teams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in all weather conditions to ensure rapid and reliable medical retrieval in times of emergency. The helicopter, an A-119 Koala, is specially equipped to transport patients and medical crew. The helicopter can be deployed to even the most remote locations.
The A-119 Koala Helicopter is unique amongst single turbine powered helicopters, with a cabin volume that is approx 30% greater than other helicopters in its class. It has a cruise speed of 270 km/h and a maximum range of 1000 km.
The specially equipped air ambulance helicopter can accommodate up to two stretchers together with the medical crew. The internal layout includes provision for the installation of all necessary medical equipment to treat patients during transport. Two standard rails are positioned both in the cabin rear bulkhead and on upper side panels that include outlets for oxygen, emergency air and power.
Critical Air Helicopter Operations
• Urgent responses to major accidents, emergencies and neo-natal cases.
• Typical emergency scenarios include accidents where specialist on-scene medical care is required.
• Rescue of patients who find themselves in rugged terrain or remote locations.
• Helicopter retrieval incorporates both pre-hospital rescue and inter-hospital transfer services.
martes, 30 de marzo de 2010
CONTACT DETAILS :
Jet Rescue Worldwide Air Ambulance Services
Mr. Arjan Los, Vice President of Business Development
877-704-8396 US and Canada
International Dialing:
Belgium: 0800-761-34
Brazil: 0-800-891-5328
France: 0800-917563
Germany: 0800-183-0257
Guatemala - Guatemala City: +502-23560614
Luxembourg: 8002-7975
Mexico: 01-800-830-9202
Panama: 00-800-226-5686
Spain: 900-981852
United Kingdom: 0-808-120-2353
Worldwide Collect: +1-480-522-1080
E-mail:
operations@jet-rescue.com
Address:
7633 E. Acoma Dr. Suite 102
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
United States of America
Mr. Arjan Los, Vice President of Business Development
877-704-8396 US and Canada
International Dialing:
Belgium: 0800-761-34
Brazil: 0-800-891-5328
France: 0800-917563
Germany: 0800-183-0257
Guatemala - Guatemala City: +502-23560614
Luxembourg: 8002-7975
Mexico: 01-800-830-9202
Panama: 00-800-226-5686
Spain: 900-981852
United Kingdom: 0-808-120-2353
Worldwide Collect: +1-480-522-1080
E-mail:
operations@jet-rescue.com
Address:
7633 E. Acoma Dr. Suite 102
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
United States of America
jueves, 25 de marzo de 2010
viernes, 12 de marzo de 2010
viernes, 5 de febrero de 2010
Medical Escort Policy
This policy sets out practical guidance for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance managers and staff who organize and undertake patient transfers to and from other hospitals. The policy is designed to ensure safety for the patient, and the welfare of any member of staff involved in escort duties.
Why is this policy necessary?
Escorts may be necessary when a patient requires investigation or treatment at a hospital located far away from their current location. The escort may involve accompanying the patient to and / or from the receiving hospital. This may include a short term or long term stay for the patient.
Whatever the circumstances, escorting staff and managers need to be clear about what is expected of them, and their accountability to the patient and their employer. This policy is designed to offer advice and guidance, but cannot cover all eventualities.
General Principles
Assessment and communication of care needs before transfer
Preparation and communication are important. Whether the transfer be planned or unplanned, there should be contact between Jet Rescue Air Ambulance and the receiving hospital before the transfer, to ensure that the patient is expected, and the patient’s care needs have been explained to the receiving hospital.
It is recommended that a referral to the hospital is made in writing, preferably in advance of the journey. In an emergency a phone call may be sufficient, however in all cases a copy of a referral letter should accompany the patient. Medical and nursing notes can be brought with the patient by the escort staff, but should not be left at the receiving hospital as they are the property of Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. If necessary, photocopies of relevant medical and nursing notes should be arranged before the transfer. A transfer form, containing relevant medical and nursing information should also be completed, and can be left with the patient, as long as a copy remains in the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance medical / nursing notes.
An assessment should be made of whether the patient requires an escort, and if so, what level of staff is required. Some patients may be fit enough to travel on their own, using their own transport, or be escorted by a relative or volunteer. At the other extreme, a critical ill patient in ITU may require a full medical team. This decision should be made by the Director of Operations, seeking advice from the medical staff where necessary, and taking into account risk factors.
Duty of care
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance has a duty of care to ensure that its patients are safe. This duty of care continues while the patient is under the care of Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, which would include transit to or from a hospital.
The patient remains in the care of Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, up until the point that handover takes place between Jet Rescue Air Ambulance staff, and the receiving hospital’s staff. At the conclusion of handover, the receiving hospital should assume full responsibility for all care needs of the patient. On completion of the treatment, it should be the responsibility of the receiving hospital to ensure that the patient is reassessed and re-stabilized before handover to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
Should the handover be delayed beyond what it reasonably expected, the member of staff escorting the patient should draw the matter to the receiving hospital’s attention, seeking management support where necessary. Should this not resolve the issue, the escort should contact the Jet Rescue Operations Director (or out of hours, the site manager) at Jet Rescue Air Ambulance to seek their advice.
Employment issues
The role of the escorting staff is to:
1) Ensure the patient arrives at the receiving hospital safely
2) Hand over care to the receiving hospital’s staff
3) Accept hand over from the receiving hospital’s staff and to return the patient safely.
As a general rule, an employee of Jet Rescue Air Ambulance would require an employment contract in order to practice on hospital’s premises. In the case of staff visiting a hospital for practice experience or teaching, for example, an honorary contract may suffice, however this is unusual in the case of escorted patients.
As part of their duty of care, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance staff must provide care up and to the point of handover of the patient to the receiving hospital, but once handover has been effected, the receiving hospital can not provide vicarious liability to an escort nurse, unless an honorary contract is in place. Neither can Jet Rescue Air Ambulance be held liable for care given by its own staff on a hospital’s premises, once the receiving hospital has accepted a duty of care for that patient following handover. Staff is therefore strongly advised not to carry out clinical duties once the care of the patient has been handed over, even for a short period of time. They must however ensure the patient is safe before and during the period of handover.
http://www.jet-rescue.com
Why is this policy necessary?
Escorts may be necessary when a patient requires investigation or treatment at a hospital located far away from their current location. The escort may involve accompanying the patient to and / or from the receiving hospital. This may include a short term or long term stay for the patient.
Whatever the circumstances, escorting staff and managers need to be clear about what is expected of them, and their accountability to the patient and their employer. This policy is designed to offer advice and guidance, but cannot cover all eventualities.
General Principles
Assessment and communication of care needs before transfer
Preparation and communication are important. Whether the transfer be planned or unplanned, there should be contact between Jet Rescue Air Ambulance and the receiving hospital before the transfer, to ensure that the patient is expected, and the patient’s care needs have been explained to the receiving hospital.
It is recommended that a referral to the hospital is made in writing, preferably in advance of the journey. In an emergency a phone call may be sufficient, however in all cases a copy of a referral letter should accompany the patient. Medical and nursing notes can be brought with the patient by the escort staff, but should not be left at the receiving hospital as they are the property of Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. If necessary, photocopies of relevant medical and nursing notes should be arranged before the transfer. A transfer form, containing relevant medical and nursing information should also be completed, and can be left with the patient, as long as a copy remains in the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance medical / nursing notes.
An assessment should be made of whether the patient requires an escort, and if so, what level of staff is required. Some patients may be fit enough to travel on their own, using their own transport, or be escorted by a relative or volunteer. At the other extreme, a critical ill patient in ITU may require a full medical team. This decision should be made by the Director of Operations, seeking advice from the medical staff where necessary, and taking into account risk factors.
Duty of care
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance has a duty of care to ensure that its patients are safe. This duty of care continues while the patient is under the care of Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, which would include transit to or from a hospital.
The patient remains in the care of Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, up until the point that handover takes place between Jet Rescue Air Ambulance staff, and the receiving hospital’s staff. At the conclusion of handover, the receiving hospital should assume full responsibility for all care needs of the patient. On completion of the treatment, it should be the responsibility of the receiving hospital to ensure that the patient is reassessed and re-stabilized before handover to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
Should the handover be delayed beyond what it reasonably expected, the member of staff escorting the patient should draw the matter to the receiving hospital’s attention, seeking management support where necessary. Should this not resolve the issue, the escort should contact the Jet Rescue Operations Director (or out of hours, the site manager) at Jet Rescue Air Ambulance to seek their advice.
Employment issues
The role of the escorting staff is to:
1) Ensure the patient arrives at the receiving hospital safely
2) Hand over care to the receiving hospital’s staff
3) Accept hand over from the receiving hospital’s staff and to return the patient safely.
As a general rule, an employee of Jet Rescue Air Ambulance would require an employment contract in order to practice on hospital’s premises. In the case of staff visiting a hospital for practice experience or teaching, for example, an honorary contract may suffice, however this is unusual in the case of escorted patients.
As part of their duty of care, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance staff must provide care up and to the point of handover of the patient to the receiving hospital, but once handover has been effected, the receiving hospital can not provide vicarious liability to an escort nurse, unless an honorary contract is in place. Neither can Jet Rescue Air Ambulance be held liable for care given by its own staff on a hospital’s premises, once the receiving hospital has accepted a duty of care for that patient following handover. Staff is therefore strongly advised not to carry out clinical duties once the care of the patient has been handed over, even for a short period of time. They must however ensure the patient is safe before and during the period of handover.
http://www.jet-rescue.com
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