Air Ambulance Operation

Information and guidance for operation of a Fixed Wing Air Ambulance

Air ambulance operations are considered public transport flights. They are distinct from
Helicopter Emergency Medical Serices !HEMS"# $here additional ris%s are defined and the
releant re&uirements applied.


Stretcher Fit
The approal of a stretcher installation $ill generally constitute a Ma'or Modification.
Alterations to preiously approed existing modifications may be classed as a Minor
Modification.
Medical Equipment
An approal is not re&uired for the carriage of (angerous )oods in flight for the purpose of
proiding medical aid to a patient.
Flight Time Limitations
*A+ ,-./ 0Aoidance of Fatigue in Air *re$s0 specifies limits on Flight (uty +eriods
!F(+s" for these operations# and the circumstances under $hich they can be increased.
Operations Manual
In addition to the standard 1perations Manual# the follo$ing should be considered or included
$here appropriate2
At least one medical attendant should accompany a stretcher patient at all times.

)enerally# t$o/able bodied persons are gien the responsibility of remoing a patient
from the aircraft in an emergency situation.

Stretcher cases must only be remoed from the aircraft after all passengers not
associated $ith the patient hae been eacuated.

If aircraft fuelling ta%es place $ith a stretcher patient on board# an exit must be
designated through $hich the stretcher can e carried in the eent of an emergency
eacuation.

The aircraft operator must ensure that# in the eent of an emergency eacuation# a
'et$ay or steps are placed at the designated exit for stretcher patients.

When stretcher cases are on/board an aircraft# an airport fire appliance must be in
attendance during a fuelling operation.

Fuelling $ith a stretcher patient on/board is not permitted $ith A3)AS !Aiation
)asoline"

Some air ambulance flight hae a medical re&uirement to fly as lo$ as possible/ the
1perations Manual should proide guidance on ho$ this is to be interpreted.

The 1perations Manual should address considerations associated $ith urgent flight.