2008 Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Deadliest Year

With twenty nine deaths and twelve crashes, helicopter emergency medical services suffered their most deadly year ever.
Consequently, the National Transportation Safety Board has turned its attention to the problem with four days of hearings resulting in nineteen safety recommendations.

The suggestions included greater pilot training, better use of available weather and safety data and more advanced low altitude safety infrastucture.

Increased use of dual pilots, improved autopilot safety technology and night vision safety technology are likely to reduce crashes.

Emergency helicopter medical services is a field which has expanded rapidly despite the slow economy and its increased use has also resulted in operators taking greater risks.