Adrian WILSON1
1Aeromedical Australia, ,
Abstract:
Purpose
To discuss ways to enhance efficiency in aeromedical operations in order to create better patient outcomes, reduce emissions, and reduce operating costs.
Scope
An Aeromedical Retrieval Network consists of all of the assets and infrastructure used in aeromedical operations. This includes the hospitals, airports, helipads, medical personnel, fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and road ambulance platforms. Efficiency can be gained by ensuring that the right asset is selected for the right job, and by analysing and changing the structure of the network as a whole.
Issue under consideration
Assets in an Aeromedical Network have large differences in operating costs and CO2 emissions. An AW139 helicopter compared to a B350 King Air has approximately a 3:1 cost ratio per km, and 5:1 difference in CO2 emissions. Further, an AW139 compared to a Mercedes Sprinter road ambulance has a 27:1 cost per km, and 30:1 difference in CO2 emissions per km. Each asset has unique pros and cons that impact patient transport time for any given mission. Ensuring that the most appropriate asset is used based on the specific circumstances of each mission is essential to enhancing efficiency.
Conclusions reached.
Through use of decision support software it’s possible to analyse the variables such as weather, traffic, crew fatigue, refuel stops, taxi times, and pre launch delays to compare all assets in a network for each tasking. This comparison will calculate the differences in time for the medical mission, emissions, and cost for each asset. From here a cost/benefit analysis is able to be conducted based on patient priority to ensure that the most efficient asset is being used. Analysis of data collected in this process will enable feedback into the suitability of the network as a whole to drive long term improvement of the network.
Biographies:
Adrian is a professional helicopter pilot with more than 18 years’ experience in the Aviation industry. Throughout his career Adrian has amassed over 3000 hours of flying experience, including over 1000 hours on the AW139 operating on the NSW Ambulance contract.
Adrian has completed a Masters Degree in Aviation Management through the University of New South Wales. This degree had a significant focus on airline operations and management. In 2022, Adrian founded Aeromedical Australia in order to apply his unique perspective to improving Aeromedical Retrieval Networks; endeavouring to provide great social, environmental, and economic benefits.