In recent years, the trend of using a helicopters in the operation of the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) has been increasing. The reason is the wide range of uses of the helicopter, fast and safe transport of wounded people using new copters. Nevertheless, it is not possible to operate flights in poor weather conditions with a sufficient number of interventions. There is a need to develop new procedures for flying even under conditions other than VFR flight rules. The current state of helicopter technology in Slovakia allows it and therefore it is appropriate that new procedures using GNSS be created to establish a safe flight. The aim of the analysis is to evaluate the input factors available to the operator and to create a design approach based on the legislative requirements for the use of GNSS systems on the selected heliport. The resulting approach design can be used as one of the options for creating procedures. Such proposals could also be implemented on other operational bases, for the creation of a network of instrument approach or departure systems, which would create space for increasing the safety of helicopter emergency medical service in Slovakia.
Impact of icing weather conditions on the patients in helicopter emergency medical service: a prospective study from Northern Finland
