At Boston MedFlight, safety is at the CORE of our organization. Our comprehensive risk reduction program focuses on safety through hazard identification, risk assessment, review of internal/external events, setting benchmarks above industry standards and promotion of an internal/external feedback system.

Six full-time rotor wing mechanics, employed by EraMED, are on call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day to ensure equipment and vehicle safety for our rotor wing aircraft. In addition, Boston Air Charter also provides a full time dedicated mechanic for the fixed wing aircraft.

Each mechanic maintains Federal Aviation Association (FAA) Airframe and Power plant (A&P) licensure. In addition, each mechanic attends factory training session’s specific for each type of airframe. Maintenance on each aircraft is completed by A&P mechanics in accordance with manufacturer/vendor guidelines under guidance of the Director of Maintenance.

Aircraft inspections are performed daily including, the Pilot in Command performing a "preflight" inspection. This includes visual inspection on internal/external aircraft components in accordance with manufacturer and vendor guidelines.

Our ground critical care units are safety inspected daily by our EMT staff. In addition routine and unscheduled maintenance is performed by various contracted chassis and ambulance manufacturer repair stations.

Both EraMED and Boston Air Charter pilots are trained to the highest level of competency achievable - that of Airline Transport Pilot (ATP). Training is a continuum of computer testing modules, flight checks with safety/training officers, and biannual flight simulation training. Pilots are proficient in both Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

When communication specialists review a request for patient transport, that information is transmitted to the appropriate pilot. If the Pilot in Command accepts the mission, he/she dispatches the medical crew. At no time prior to a Pilot in Command accepting or rejecting a mission is patient information provided.

A weather reporting system is located at each base and in our Communications Center. Decisions are made based on forecasts, visibility, distance, terrain hazards, ceiling and runway conditions.

Our EMT's are highly experienced and complete a 6 week orientation period which includes vehicle specific review of systems components, specialty equipment loading/logistics and driver safety during standard and emergency operations.

The medical crew, together with the Pilot in Command or EMT, forms a cohesive team in maintaining safety in and around the BMF vehicle.

Prior to takeoff, the medical crew member is responsible for performing a "startup" procedure. A crew member is positioned outside of the aircraft and is responsible for reporting anything which might pose a threat to safe flight operations, including open latches/doors, oil leaks, extraneous people about the aircraft, or significant debris.

Safety training for the medical crew is also a continuing process and includes biannual vehicle orientation and safety training, daily discussions, and specialized survival/egress training.

Prior to the start of each shift, Pilots In Command (PIC's) and or EMT meet with Boston MedFlight medical crew and communications specialist to discuss any safety concerns, vehicle status, daily operating procedures, and any scheduled special events.

The medical crew, Pilots in Command (PIC's), EMT's and mechanics have evaluated every piece of equipment used in the medical management of patients, including the intra-aortic balloon pump and neonatal isolette, for safe and effective travel. Each piece of equipment must be secured at all times so as to prevent potential hazards during vehicle motion and has been evaluated for accuracy, reliability and portability in the transport environment.

Standard safety equipment is utilized by all medical crew, EMT's and EraMED/BAC pilots. Examples include (but not limited to), Nomex flight suits, helmets for rotor wing transport, securing of devices (such as seat belts and specialty straps) for all personnel/equipment and personal floatation devices (PFD's). Boston Medflight is also committed to the highest level of safety and technology advances for all its transport vehicles. These include Single Pilot Instrument Flight Rules (SPIFR) capability/equipment, Night Vision Goggles (NVG’s), Terrain Avoidance Warning Systems (TAWS) weather uplink/radar and vehicle satellite tracking (rotor wing, fixed wing and ground ambulances).

The Boston MedFlight Safety & Risk Committee consists of representatives from all disciples within the organization. The Safety & Risk Committee promotes a culture of safety first, and provides a forum of open communication for maintaining an optimum level of safety. This committee enhances aviation, occupational, environmental and emergency management safety on a day to day basis. This is accomplished through safety education, identification of potential hazards, investigation and analysis of safety related events through debriefings, and presents recommendations to the administration.