Hems Crew Training Course

Introduction

The HCC is a multidisciplinary entry level course designed to equip doctors, paramedics, technicians,  nurses and military personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to practice safe and effective emergency medicine in the helicopter environment.

Faculty

The multidisciplinary faculty for the HCC consists of leading experts in the fields of prehospital medicine, HEMS aviation, extrication and search and rescue.

The Course

The HCC is divided into three modules; Medical, Aviation and Multi-Agency and runs several times per year.  To qualify for the UCAPD credits (see accreditation), all three modules must be completed within a one year period.

Location and Accommodation

The course takes place at various locations depending on which module is being studied. The Aviation and Multi-Agency training take place in the North East of England, whilst the Medical module takes place in London at the Royal London Hospital.

Pre-course Material

Before starting the course, candidates are sent lecture material and a sentinel reading folder covering important published research.

Medical Module

An evidence based module combining lectures, tutorials, moulages and medical simulators.

Topics covered include:

  • Trauma epidemiology
  • Trauma scoring
  • Scene safety
  • Scene management
  • Spinal precautions
  • Fluid therapy
  • Handling packaging
  • Maxilo facial haemorrhage
  • Pleural drainage
  • Thoractomy
  • Prehospital RSI
  • Splintage
  • PASG
  • Burn management
  • Medical emergencies
  • Human Factors / CRM in medical care
  • Media training
  • Major incident management
  • Chemical incidents and deliberate release
  • Ethics and law

Aviation Module

At the end of this module candidates fulfil the definition of "HEMS Crew Members", as specified in JAROPS 3. The module is taught by a series of lectures, tutorials and practicals which include actual flying time and "dunker training".

Areas covered:

  • Principles of flight and basic aircraft mechanics
  • Crew resource management
  • Navigation/ meteorology
  • The use of radios
  • Helicopter underwater escape drills

Multi-Agency Working

A multidisciplinary faculty of fire service and firearms instructors, paramedics, traffic police and mountain rescue experts. Candidates learn the principles and practice of:

  • Vehicle extrication
  • Confined space rescue
  • Mountain rescue operations
  • Elevated rescue
  • HAZMAT management
  • Firearms operations

Final Examination

Successful completion of the course is based on a final day moulage. Candidates are deployed on a mock mission that involves real time flight and navigation. Candidates are assessed on all aspects of their training.

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  • All profits from courses are gift aided to support the charity.

    Courses can be delivered at our premises or on site (subject to suitable facilities) at no extra charge.