Air Evac/Single vs twins

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Long story short. The only HEMS company in my area only uses a paramedic and never a nurse. They have been the sole provider for years. I have dreamed of HEMS work since I was a kid. Finally, after nearly giving up hope, an Air Evac base opened about 5 miles from my home. Previously, the closest company to use nurses was about 3 hours away.

My friends who work for "the other company" have put the fear of God in me about flying single engine. They are stating they would rather quit their profession than fly in single engine. Can anyone provide objective informatoin regarding single engine aircraft.

Also, can anyone provide any information on what it is like to fly with Air Evac? Thanks.

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Long story short. The only HEMS company in my area only uses a paramedic and never a nurse. They have been the sole provider for years. I have dreamed of HEMS work since I was a kid. Finally, after nearly giving up hope, an Air Evac base opened about 5 miles from my home. Previously, the closest company to use nurses was about 3 hours away.

My friends who work for "the other company" have put the fear of God in me about flying single engine. They are stating they would rather quit their profession than fly in single engine. Can anyone provide objective informatoin regarding single engine aircraft.

Also, can anyone provide any information on what it is like to fly with Air Evac? Thanks.

Here's a good article

http://flightsafety.org/fsd/fsd_aug91.pdf

Personally I don't think one is safer than the other, most crashes are due to human error, one can argue that with twin engines the points of failure are far more than single. I fly both and feel equally safe.

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

The post important piece of safety equipment in any service is located between the ears of the pilot. And you.

Sure, the pilot flies the aircraft. But, the day you don't have a voice (or don't use it) is the day you should pack up your crap at base, call a replacement & go. The day you "go along, to get along" is the day you just became the most dangerous person flying in HEMS - you have one more chance to make a good decision and that decision is to leave and get right with yourself. The fact is, most crashes are in the result of bad decision making. Even "experienced" crews are crashing, so what is the common denominator? I'm betting it's not a knowledge deficit. It's cognitive dissonance. Oh, it can't happen to me. Yes, but we will go take a look at the weather. Sure, there's fog out there somewhere, but where? That other program is flying when we turn it down & we are catching hell, so gotta try! Cognitive dissonance. And it will kill you. Dead. Oh yeah, there are things worse than dying and that might include (IMHO) surviving 80% BSA burns, multiple amputations, losing eyesight, having SCI and paralysis. Sad, yep. But, I'm a realist.

Twin and single, this industry is very good at memorials. That alone should have you asking the tough questions and keeping a critical eye on the "job". If at any time the answer seems wrong, doesn't make sense or you find yourself making excuses about why you are doing something that doesn't seem smart or thinking, "yes, but ..." That is your sign to save your own life. It's just a job. No more, no less.

I dont think it matters, but for all your "friends in the twins" --- yeah, I had a few friends that held that opinion as well. "Oh, I will quit before I fly single engine." Nonsense. Goodbye EC135 & Hello, Bell 407 and there wasn't an exodus. Talk is cheap. Sure, like they would head back to the bus or hospital just because of the engine configuration. Wow. They may get to decide as the market is being grossly oversaturated in many places.

I think it's really tough when you start. You are new, instincts have not been developed yet. If it's a new base, a lot of staff will be new. Really new. You don't know, what you don't know. Everything seems shiny and it's your dream job. Settle down. It's just a job. Any job that you cannot/will not walk away from no matter what the costs, well that is called being a servant or prisoner. Just a thought.

Short answer. I am certain that the single engine helicopter issue would be the last thing that would concern me.

Good Luck!

Fly Safe!

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I've flown off and on for 15 years.........AEL was actually my 1st company, when they were MUCH smaller. Bell 206L3 is the SAFEST aircraft in the world - FACT. By flight hour flown it is THE safest. That said........I would never fly single engine again. I've had 2 Engine failures in Bk117 and its no big deal. By contrast the 206 I flew in had an engine failure on take off and the nurse and medic never worked again. They were lucky to survive, but they will live with life long scars. Bottom line, and I've flown with many pilots, and in fact heres the aircraft I have flown in Bell 206L3, BK117, Augusta 109, Sikorsky S76, EC 135, EC 145, Dauphin.

With all that, and from many conversations with pilots, the bottom line is a 206 is not powered to do HEMS, and its very debatable if any Single Engine is. Research Air Evac Lifeteam (AEL) on Just helicopters old forum............you will quickly discover they have a terrible reputation, and terrible safety record. I watched an interview with their CEO when they had their 5th crash in 5 years, where he stated that was "industry standard". ********. Single Engine versus twin isn't a deal killer...........except to a lot of pilots. Ive been told by many who have flown both that single engines are fine.......but not in HEMS. Just my 2cents

Felix

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

Hop on over to flightweb.com and do a search.

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