Re: EC-135 vs BK-117

[DPEMS500@aol.com]

In a message dated Fri, 30 Aug 2002 9:56:37 AM Eastern Standard Time, MWOODRN writes:

> Hello, our flight program is in the process of upgrading aircraft and we have the option of selecting between the EC-135 and a BK-117. I am soliciting input from flight crews who have changed from  the BK to the EC-135, ie. did you feel that you lost too much tunnel space, etc. Also if you currently fly in the 135, does this a/c have an ext. baggage compartment, the specs list one, but I'm not sure if the metro medical interior has one.  Thanks for your help and let's keep the 
> ratio of takeoff's and landing =.    Mike Wood RN/CP 
>       Baptist Life Flight 
>       Pensacola, Fl. 

We are right in the middle of the very same thing!  I sent 9 different crew members to two "sister" programs (who also operate under Metro as vendor) to fly with their EC-135's.  Both of these programs also had experience with BK's.  We used to be in Twinstars, and now are in one BK and one BO while we decide what aircraft we want "permanently".  We have purchased one BK, and will shortly be operating bilateral BK's.

After the crew members went to ride out with the EC's, we had crew meetings where the pilots presented their views (pro-EC, basically) and the crews presented a very balanced discussion.

We are now "voting" as a group to decide.  (At the moment the vote is almost perfectly split, by the way).  

It is a difficult decision; cost to operate, clinical capabilities versus aircraft capabilities; new airframe versus a true flying ambulance.

We'll post our decision to the group, so maybe others can find a little bit of knowledge in our trials and tribulations.

Good luck with your process.

Take care,
David



David Phillips, BS, LP
Director
Pre-Hospital Services
Scott and White Memorial Hospital
Temple, Texas

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