The confidence to save lives

What attracted you to the job as a search and rescue first responder?

A passenger on a flight back from Italy fainted right next me. Without second guessing, I jumped out of my seat and started taking care of them. Thankfully it was nothing serious, but the incident made me want to be certified to help with the correct knowledge in situations that might be time sensitive. My mission is to help others as much as I can until the emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can arrive. This will save time and can save a life!

How familiar are you with the RMCI health and usage monitoring system (HUMS)?

We use the RMCI HUMS in our Agusta rescue helicopter. I enjoy going to the helicopter events with the Agusta displayed at the RMCI booth. I believe in their system, I love sharing stories to the new and interested customers on what RMCI HUMS can do to keep them safe in their aircraft.

How do system health management programs (HUMS or condition based maintenance programs) benefit operators and especially those in the special missions sector?

When the rescue helicopter is parked in the hangar, we make sure to have the helicopter checked and ready to go in case we have a emergency call. Knowing that we have the RMCI HUMS in the helicopter, it gives us the confidence that we are safe while flying. There have been a few times when we were notified by the RMCI team that the helicopter needed to be checked. Without RMCI, we could have been in a bad incident if the system had not indicated a problem. We want to make sure the pilot, co-pilot, and rear crew are safe at all times so we can get to and from the rescue area. We have also had the RMCI HUMS in our previous helicopter, an EC-135.

What does RMCI offer that sets it apart as a leading HUMS technology provider with the XRDS system? 

I believe that the RMCI team has the best technology and the most experience of any HUMS provider. They have been in this business for 19 years and have supported fleets of over 3,000 helicopters plus fixed wing aircraft. I love how they are technology driven and customer focused, the customer is always paramount in their operations. The RMCI system works in the aircraft, at the aircraft without access to the internet! The RMCI products are 100% accurate and reliable. They can identify emerging faults before any original equipment manufacturer alarms, weeks and even months in advance!

What other services and benefits does RMCI offer to its clients?

RMCI provides a variety of advanced technology capabilities for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft – engine performance monitoring, corrosion and structure monitoring, software tools for individual aircraft as well as fleet management and fleet analysis software, secure data storage and even maintenance management systems integration and business case analysis for fleet operators. As I mentioned, RMCI is a technology driven company. They have products for heavy equipment, ground vehicles and energy applications. Also, they offer a comprehensive aircraft structural integrity program (ASIP) for fixed wing aircraft such as the C-130, King Air, and other aircraft.

Are there any developments from RMCI?

I can only say that their technology and the team’s capabilities are being sought after by government agencies and civilian operators around the globe. They were competitively selected for contract awards by the US Department of State, the US Air Force, the US Department of Energy, NASA, and others. Stay tuned for more announcements, but for now, I’m pleased to have their team and their products supporting our helicopters!