Background

Dennis Rohlfs, Founder of Med-Trans, served as a medevac crew chief in the 571st Dust Off unit during the Vietnam conflict. His experiences inspired him to create a safe and reliable means of emergency transportation to critical patients in need, and thus more than 35 years ago, he began what is now Med-Trans.

His vision was to build his company on a foundation of premier customer service, solution agility and an industry-leading safety environment, all while promoting a family, team and partnership culture. This vision, along with growth, industry maturation and a continued commitment to new technology, has created the Med-Trans Corporation we are all so very proud of.

The Med-Trans mission is to improve the lives of those we serve while providing professional value to our partners and maintaining a family-based culture. With relationships in 26 states and operations from more than 90 base locations, 1,500 Med-Trans team members make a difference every day in the lives and communities they serve.

The fleet

Med-Trans operates a fleet of 100+ aircraft comprised predominantly of Bell 407, H125, H135 and H155 helicopters for emergency flights. Pressurised twin-engine King Air 200/90 fixed-wing aircraft are also available for emergency and non-emergency medical transports.

Training

Med-Trans offers a comprehensive training programme for new-hire candidates and veteran Med-Trans aviators alike

Med-Trans offers a comprehensive training programme for new-hire candidates and veteran Med-Trans aviators alike. New-hire training includes a complete review of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), aviation weather, navigation, airspace, aeromedical, aerodynamics, and bloodborne pathogens.

Training on aircraft topics include an in-depth study of systems, emergency and normal procedures, performance planning, limitations, weight and balance. New-hire flight training consists of day, night, instrument, and night vision goggles (NVGs).

Med-Trans’ ground training is currently performed using monthly quizzes that cover every aspect of Part-135 operations, while flight training is conducted every 120 days under all conditions – day, unaided night, instrument and NVGs (one iteration being a three-day simulator event). Since all Med-Trans aircraft are fully IFR equipped, an integral part of every recurrent training session includes precision and non-precision approaches simulating recovery from inadvertent IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions).

So, you want to work for Med-Trans?

Those who are eager to work for Med-Trans need to have the appropriate skill sets:

PILOT

• 2,000 total flight hours, 1,500 of which are helicopter hours; 1,000 total helicopter Pilot-in-Command (PIC) hours; 1,000 total helicopter turbine hours (recommended); and 200 helicopter night fl ight hours (aided or unaided)
• 200 instrument hours (actual/sim/hood), single pilot instrument fl ight rules (SPIFR) for our IFR programmes.
• Current FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Certifi cation; and Current FAA Class II Medical
• Helicopter Instrument Rating

MECHANIC

• Minimum 3 years direct helicopter maintenance experience; at least six months aircraft maintenance work during the past 24 months – Bell 407 or H135 maintenance experience preferred
• Hold a valid A&P licence Inspection Aviation and additional FAA/FCC ratings a plus
• Inspection Aviation and additional FAA/FCC ratings a plus
• IFR helicopter avionics and auto pilot experience preferred; and experience in performing detailed helicopter inspections
• Main rotor/tail rotor balancing, and major repairs required
• Extensive knowledge of FARs

FLIGHT NURSE

• Three years’ recent nursing experience in an ICU and/or emergency department
• Current RN licence in the state(s) served by the assigned programme
• BCLS, ACLS, and PALS certification

FLIGHT PARAMEDIC

• Three years recent paramedic experience in a busy 911 system and/or critical care setting
• Current Paramedic licence in the state(s) served by the assigned programme
• Nationally Registered Paramedic (within 6 months of hire date)
• PHTLS or ITLS, as well as current driver’s licence (EVOC if operating a company emergency response vehicle)
• BCLS, ACLS, PALS certification

Safety Operations

The Med-Trans’ Safety Management System applies a systematic approach that not only addresses regulatory compliance requirements, but also provides guidance and support to facilitate the pursuit of safety excellence.

In terms of safety best practices within the company’s fleet, Med-Trans incorporates modern safety technology within its operations. This includes NVGs, which provide enhanced capabilities to aircraft and crews, increasing the level of risk mitigation for night flights over unfamiliar terrain; XM Satellite Weather, providing pilots with real-time weather updates in the cockpit, TCAS/TAS to avoid other aircraft in the increasingly busy airspace; satellite tracking of flights, which allows for continuous near real-time monitoring for all aircraft in the regional communication centres; and Helicopter Terrain Avoidance Warning Systems that show approaching obstacles and terrain, enabling pilots to steer clear of them well in advance. Med-Trans also incorporates an all-in-one GPS, navigation and communication unit that makes navigation calculations and map redraw rates at a fast speed, making it easier for pilots to read and interpret critical information, as well as integrated satellite telephone technology, which ensures communications are available

beyond line of sight radio coverage areas. In addition, Med-Trans also has autopilot installed in 100 per cent of their aircraft, going above and beyond the required industry and FAA standards.

Looking to the future

Growth and leadership development are the two most important long-term goals for Med-Trans Corporation. Already having a well-established footprint in the US, the company is focused on enhancing its capabilities to meet future hospital and patient needs.

This article originally appeared in the November 2019 issue of AirMed&Rescue