The European HEMS and Air Ambulance Committee, hosted by Luxembourg Air Rescue in its airport offices on March 2, raised concerns over the recent Tsunami operations as well as the different air ambulance regulations across Europe.

The committee is concerned about the way that some large aircraft were chartered to repatriate patients from the Tsunami-affected region by organisations that had no experience in air ambulance transportation and without the necessary equipment. The committee will be presenting

its findings to the respective governments and European bodies in the near future.

Also up for discussion were concerns over different flight duty regulations and limitations across Europe. After comparing national regulations it was agreed that a common European regulation would be preferable.

The newly formed EHAC fixed-wing committee consists of representatives from the major European operators, including LAR, REGA, DRF, Tyrolean Air Ambulance, Norwegian Air Ambulance and ADAC. Its aim is to ensure that the

highest standards are maintained within the profession and the

interests of the patient prevail over economic interests.