AirMed&Rescue October 2021 comes in the wake of some of the most devastating wildfires experienced across Europe, and aerial firefighting is already recognized as a vital and integral tool. This issue looks to the duty of care we owe pilots and crewmembers meeting this challenge, and the legacy and future of aircraft deployed in combating wildfires across the world.
 
Our firefighting features from Mandy Langfield focus on the increase in global accident rates in aerial firefighting – as the volume, duration, and risk of missions increases, what can we do to make aircraft and crew safer? Celebrate the impact of the Dash 8-400MR, and its latest variant, the 8-400AT, in its new iteration in aerial firefighting, as governments around the world are under pressure to invest in their sovereign aerial resources.
 
In his first feature for AirMed&Rescue, Khai Trung Le speaks to Cleanspace Respirators, Lifesaving Systems, ISOVAC Products, Lite Flite, Northwall, and Renew Biomedical about the complexities and criticality of certifying equipment for use in and around the aircraft. Meanwhile, Clara Bullock takes a look at the rapid growth of digital maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), as service providers look to adopting digital technologies and explores how this will benefit MRO operators and air ambulances.
 
Safety remains paramount at AirMed&Rescue. Amy Gallaghergives us the final instalment of her Rescue’s report on the Frisco Three’s campaigning to improve US rotorcraft crashworthiness and plug the regulatory loopholes in safety standards. This part takes a deep dive into the FAA’s extended response, as well as reactions from Air Methods and Airbus among others. On the European stage, Mario Pierobon explores the first changes to EASA mountain HEMS regulations since European safety aviation standards were published in 2012, including the impact on NVIS, safety mitigations, and the new concept of human external cargo.
 
There is also a gallery from Peter ten Berg of ANWB Air Ambulance’s new Airbus H-145 as it returns to normal service post-Covid, interviews with BCEN’s Kyle Madigan and Midlands Air Ambulance’s ops and clinical departments, and a Provider Profile with Henley Air exploring the bespoke challenges of operating in South Africa.