BS EN 13718-2:2015+A1:2020 - Medical Vehicles and Their Equipment

Air Ambulances: Operational and Technical Requirements

The BS EN 13718-2:2015+A1:2020 standard is an essential document for anyone involved in the design, operation, and management of air ambulances. Released on March 25, 2020, this comprehensive standard provides detailed operational and technical requirements that ensure the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of air ambulance services.

With a total of 42 pages, this standard is a crucial resource for manufacturers, operators, and regulatory bodies involved in the air ambulance sector. It outlines the necessary specifications and guidelines that must be adhered to, ensuring that air ambulances are equipped to provide the highest level of medical care in emergency situations.

Key Features of the Standard

• Standard Number: BS EN 13718-2:2015+A1:2020
• Pages: 42
• Release Date: March 25, 2020
• ISBN: 978 0 580 52470 7
• Status: Standard

Comprehensive Coverage

This standard covers a wide range of topics essential for the operation of air ambulances. It includes guidelines on the design and construction of medical vehicles, ensuring they meet the necessary safety and performance criteria. The document also addresses the equipment requirements, ensuring that all medical devices and tools used in air ambulances are up to the highest standards.

Furthermore, the standard provides detailed operational requirements, including protocols for patient care, communication systems, and crew training. These guidelines are designed to ensure that air ambulance services can respond effectively to emergencies, providing rapid and reliable medical assistance when it is needed most.

Ensuring Safety and Reliability

Safety is a paramount concern in the operation of air ambulances, and the BS EN 13718-2:2015+A1:2020 standard addresses this with rigorous requirements. It includes specifications for the structural integrity of the aircraft, as well as the installation and maintenance of medical equipment. By adhering to these standards, operators can ensure that their air ambulances are safe, reliable, and capable of delivering high-quality medical care.

The standard also emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of both the aircraft and its medical equipment. This ensures that all components are functioning correctly and that any potential issues are identified and addressed promptly, minimizing the risk of equipment failure during critical missions.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

In addition to safety, the BS EN 13718-2:2015+A1:2020 standard focuses on enhancing the operational efficiency of air ambulance services. It provides guidelines for optimizing flight operations, including route planning, fuel management, and crew coordination. These measures help to ensure that air ambulances can reach their destinations quickly and efficiently, reducing response times and improving patient outcomes.

The standard also includes recommendations for the integration of advanced technologies, such as GPS navigation and real-time communication systems. These technologies can enhance situational awareness and coordination, enabling air ambulance crews to respond more effectively to emergencies.

Global Relevance and Applicability

The BS EN 13718-2:2015+A1:2020 standard is recognized internationally, making it a valuable resource for air ambulance services around the world. Its comprehensive guidelines are applicable to a wide range of operational environments, from urban areas to remote and challenging terrains.

By adopting this standard, air ambulance operators can ensure that their services meet the highest international standards, enhancing their reputation and credibility. This can also facilitate cross-border cooperation and collaboration, as services that adhere to the same standards can work together more effectively in international emergency situations.

Conclusion

The BS EN 13718-2:2015+A1:2020 standard is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the air ambulance industry. Its comprehensive guidelines cover all aspects of air ambulance operation, from safety and equipment requirements to operational efficiency and international applicability. By adhering to this standard, operators can ensure that their services are safe, reliable, and capable of providing the highest level of medical care in emergency situations.

Whether you are a manufacturer, operator, or regulatory body, the BS EN 13718-2:2015+A1:2020 standard provides the essential information you need to ensure the success and safety of your air ambulance services. With its detailed guidelines and international recognition, this standard is a valuable resource for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of air ambulance operations worldwide.

BS EN 13718-2:2015+A1:2020

This standard BS EN 13718-2:2015+A1:2020 Medical vehicles and their equipment. Air ambulances is classified in these ICS categories:

• 11.040.01 Medical equipment in general
• 49.020 Aircraft and space vehicles in general
• 11.160 First aid

This part of EN 13718 specifies the requirements for performance and equipping for air ambulances, including requirements for interfaces to medical devices used for the transport and treatment of sick or injured persons. This part of EN 13718 is applicable to air ambulances capable of transporting at least one person on a stretcher. NOTE Requirements are specified for categories of air ambulances based on the different intended use. These are the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) the helicopter intensive care medical service (HICAMS) and the fixed wing air ambulance (FWAA).