SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/539275
IMPROVING SAFETY As Shier tells it, the dangers of flying medical helicopters are magnified at off-road events by other air traffic and weather in the area. According to Shier, low fog can roll in without notice, especially in Mexico, and the helicopters typically will not fly in anything but visual conditions. In addition, a helicopter is not allowed to fly after dark in Mexico. From the moment a call for assistance is received, the team of safety personnel from SCORE assesses the situation and then dispatches either a ground medical crew or the airborne crew. If the call warrants a medical helicopter then Shier, Dr. Grange, and an onboard nurse suit up immediately for a flight that might anywhere from a couple of minutes away, to one that is much further, that requires refueling. In all situations, Dr. Grange defers to the pilot for all aviation related guidance regarding flight safety, because occasionally someone's life is swinging in the balance of that decision. It is a judgment call that is based on years of trust between pilot and doctor. "It is similar to the bond between race driver and navigator in a race vehicle," says Shier. Because of the distances between the start and finish of some races, SCORE is prepared for any kind of situation, so there can be other helicopters flying for race teams, many of which are from Corporate Helicopters. These helicopters usually have a medic and the Jaws of Life as part of their emergency gear, and they often have to assist in rescues. Medical helicopters are stationed in a base camp at a pre-determined position, where fuel is always available. In the weeks leading up to a SCORE event, the crew at Corporate Helicopters handles logistics and helicopter preparation. If the race is in Mexico, then passing customs becomes part of the preparation equation, and things like permits and passports must be handled before reaching the border. Mandy Patterson the vice- president of operations for Corporate Helicopters, makes those decisions with the pilots and Shier. Logistics plays an important part of this 069 SCORE JOURNAL GROUND CREWS OFTEN ASSIST THE MEDICAL HELICOPTERS.