Safety costs in medevac flights argued

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Proposed safety upgrades for the U.S. helicopter air ambulance industry are generating controversy because of costs, experts say.

Mandatory new lifesaving technologies on air ambulances such as night-vision goggles, terrain avoidance computers and autopilot controls are being urged by the National Transportation Safety Board, but industry groups say the costs are prohibitive and that adoption should be voluntary, USA Today reported Thursday.

The Air Medical Operators Association says their members should have the freedom to adopt some, but not all, of the technologies.

NTSB says they would save lives in a health care system that often relies on helicopters for transporting critically ill patients.

Amid a recent surge of accidents that have killed 19 people since September, the NTSB says a voluntary approach is insufficient.

"While some operators have voluntarily adopted measures to address our safety recommendations, others have not," NTSB Chairwoman Debbie Hersman said.

Others agree safety must be paramount over arguments about costs.

"If the economic bottom line gets in the way of protecting our workforce and protecting patients, we have a problem," Tom Judge, Medevac program director for the state of Maine, said.