Heartstopping
Posted: Tuesday, 30 October 2007 |
Found a very disconcerting piece of news this evening about the new search-and-rescue helicopter.
The new aircraft, pictured above on its first introduction to Stornoway on 17 September, carries a defibrillator. This piece of kit is used to administer an electric shock to the hearts of patients whose heart has stopped.
The Civil Aviation Authority has not granted approval for the defibrillators to be used, as their electronic safety is not guaranteed. By that is meant that the electronic impulses from the machine may interfere with the electronics on board the aircraft.
Concerns have also been expressed over the lack of a track record in SAR with this new machine.
The uselessness of the defibrillators is something of grave concern. Wonder how they're going to sort that one out.
The new aircraft, pictured above on its first introduction to Stornoway on 17 September, carries a defibrillator. This piece of kit is used to administer an electric shock to the hearts of patients whose heart has stopped.
The Civil Aviation Authority has not granted approval for the defibrillators to be used, as their electronic safety is not guaranteed. By that is meant that the electronic impulses from the machine may interfere with the electronics on board the aircraft.
Concerns have also been expressed over the lack of a track record in SAR with this new machine.
The uselessness of the defibrillators is something of grave concern. Wonder how they're going to sort that one out.
Comments
To the best of my knowledge, there are defribrillators on commercial planes. What's so different with the helicopters? # I guess that the defrib. could be carried by the helicopters and crew, used on the ground with the heli. turned off, but not while the heli. is in the air. I remain puzzled.
mjc from NM,USA
Can't speak to SAR and heli safety. Here in Wine Country every fire dept (city, county and volunteer) is equipped with and trained in use of defrib devices.Useful when tourists are presented with heart stopping prices of some of our wines.
TiredFather from TingleandBuzz
This could be an issue of the specific make and model fo the device isn't approved. Someone didn't get the one that is approved by the CAA. Well that's my guess.
CVBruce from CA, USA
I would be far more worried about the fact that a rEcent callout the heli had did not come back to base after the 'rescue' because the pilot wouldn't fly in the rain. Yes I did say she would NOT fly in the RAIN.........
baffled from bigger things to worry about
I have been in Lewis since late 2004 and am observing life on this fascinating island from an outsider's perspective. I look out at the lighthouse every day - as it looks out over the island and the sea. 
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