Industry voice: International Helicopter Hoist and Hoist Medical Transport Accreditations

Search and rescue (SAR) operations play a critical role in emergency response, the vital situations where lives are at risk. Helicopters are often the most effective means of providing assistance when time or criticality are imperative. The most common reasons for using helicopters are:

• Quick response: they are able to rapidly reach remote or hard-to-reach areas
• Versatility: they are used to evacuate sick or injured people, conduct SAR missions and provide support during natural disasters
• Medical equipment: they can hold a variety of equipment including stretchers, oxygen and other life-saving devices, allowing medical care on site or during transport
• Night operations: they can conduct rescue operations even in the dark with night vision goggles (NVGs) and other adaptations
• Search capabilities: they are suited to advanced search capabilities with modifications, such as thermal imaging and high-powered searchlights, to locate lost or in danger people in difficult-to-see locations.

With the increasing demand for SAR services, there has been a surge in the number of helicopter companies offering these services. Because SAR and hoist operations are inherently critical, you want to ensure that those services have been vetted and proven to perform efficiently, effectively and safely.

Throughout the world, there has been an increase in SAR and hoist operations. In the September 2020 Analysis, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency found at least 39 serious hoist-related accidents – resulting in 62 fatalities. It has become imperative that changes must be made to improve outcomes: helicopter redesign and accreditation are the two existing options.

However, it is essential for companies to have proper accreditation to operate, as this ensures they meet the required standards of safety and proficiency.

In March 2022, at the HAI Heli-Expo in Dallas, NAAMTA Global (www.naamtaglobal.com), an industry leading medical transport accreditation, released two new accreditation programs:

• Helicopter Hoist Accreditation
• Hoist Medical Transport Accreditation.

These standards are the first dedicated solution to meet the needs for SAR and hoist operations.

The accreditation standards provide a clear and consistent framework for conducting SAR and hoist operations, ensuring that all personnel understand procedures, protocols and safety measures.

Accreditation standards provide a clear and consistent framework for conducting SAR and hoist operations

SAR helicopter companies and external load operators are implementing accreditation for a variety of reasons.

• Ensuring safety standards: The primary purpose of accreditation is to ensure that a search and rescue helicopter company operates safely.

NAAMTA sets standards that ensure the company’s equipment, training and operations meet required safety levels. This is crucial in the SAR industry, where lives are at risk, and any mishap could lead to dire consequences.

• Establishing credibility: Accreditation is a sign of credibility, and it helps to establish the reputation of a SAR helicopter company.

NAAMTA conducts rigorous evaluations of a company’s operations, equipment and staff, and only companies that meet required standards are awarded accreditation.

Furthermore, accreditation provides assurance to clients that the company they are working with has been evaluated by an independent third party and meets the industry’s highest standards of quality and safety.

• Compliance with regulations: Accreditation helps SAR helicopter companies comply with regulatory requirements.

Many countries have strict regulations governing the operation of helicopters in search and rescue operations. The accreditation ensures that companies comply with these regulations and stay up to date with any changes in the requirements.

Compliance with regulations is not only necessary to avoid penalties but also to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

• Access to contracts: For operators, accreditation opens up opportunities to secure contracts with government agencies, organizations and corporations that require these services. Many contracting agencies have strict requirements when it comes to safety and quality standards, and require accreditation within the statement of work. Accreditation provides assurance that a company meets these standards, making it more likely to secure contracts
• Professional development: This is especially important for a SAR helicopter company as it ensures that its staff is adequately equipped to handle any emergency situation.

  Accreditation opens up opportunities to secure contracts with government agencies, organizations and corporations

NAAMTA provides opportunities for professional development and training. This ensures that the company’s staff is up-to-date with the latest industry developments and has the necessary skills and knowledge to operate safely and efficiently.

HAI Heli-Expo 2022 was a great catalyst for announcing the Helicopter Hoist and Hoist Medical Transport Accreditations. Operators in the USA were the first to become involved in the accreditation process with services in process for the Helicopter Hoist for external load operations and additional operators in the process for Helicopter Medical Transport.

HAI Heli-Expo 2023 had an increased attendance of international participants and NAAMTA Accreditation is seeing a growth in operators pursuing accreditation internationally: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and several other countries are looking for standardization.

Operators have commented that NAAMTA accreditation is a proven return on investment (ROI) citing:

Accreditation ensures that the helicopter hoist operations are conducted safely and efficiently

• Increased safety: Accreditation ensures that the helicopter hoist operations are conducted safely and efficiently, which reduces the risk of accidents or injuries – this can result in lower insurance premiums, reduced liability costs and a more favorable safety record, all of which can lead to cost savings over time
• Improved reputation: Accreditation demonstrates that a company or organization is committed to maintaining exacting standards of safety and quality, which can enhance its reputation among customers, stakeholders and the public – this can lead to increased business opportunities, partnerships and revenue streams
• Enhanced efficiency: Accreditation requires the implementation of standardized procedures, training and equipment, which can improve the efficiency of helicopter hoist operations – this can lead to cost savings through reduced fuel consumption, faster response times and improved resource allocation
• Regulatory compliance: Accreditation ensures that helicopter hoist operations comply with regulatory standards and requirements, which can reduce the risk of fines, penalties or legal disputes – this can result in cost savings and improved compliance management.

NAAMTA accreditation is crucial for SAR helicopter companies and external load operators to operate safely, comply with regulations, establish credibility, access contracts, and provide professional development for its staff.

To learn more about the accreditation process, requirements, and application procedures, please contact Roylen Griffin or Amy Arndt at NAAMTA Global on +1 801 756 7215 or [email protected].