Draft Version 10
Since our last posting there has been a series of meetings between
Ambulance New Zealand and the AIA with a view to merging the concurrent and parallel review processes that were underway to develop operating standards for the air sector.
The meetings resulted in agreement that the optimal outcome for the providers of air sector services was to combine processes, skills resources and capabilities into one review process. There is unanimity of view that the Standard is about enhancing the safety envelope already provided by the CAA in setting minimum standards and the long period of investment by members of the
Air Rescue/AirAmbulance division of AIA in setting performance criteria that is appropriate to the hazards of operating in a sometimes-unforgiving environment.
This agreement will be underpinned by a MoU between the two organisations, which will be developed in slower time – the immediate need is to develop a standard.
It was agreed that the scope of the review should remain as previously published
“Scope of Review – All operational aspects of services provided to government and non-government contractors for the purposes of accident and medical emergencies, inter-hospital transfers, search and rescue services, civil defence and direct police support using New Zealand registered aircraft.”
There is some thought and consideration being given to incorporate the provision and deployment of air resources for fire-fighting purposes. While this matter remains under review there is an opportunity to express your views and consultations will take place with the New Zealand Fire Service to determine whether merit is seen in setting a standard.
The previous terms of reference for the review are to be amended with AIA AR/AA standards versions
8, 9 and draft version 10 being documented into the review, but essentially the review will be on the basis of a clean sheet of paper.
This change has been made because it is recognised that:
- the new document must integrate in a seamless way with the new Standard 8156
- an all-of-sector approach to the use and deployment of air resources would only be effected if the Industry leads by example and accordingly, the Standard was comprehensive
- material available from the recently completed study of HEMS operations in the United States suggested that appropriately managing all of the risks presented significant safety benefits for all who are on board EMS aircraft
- legislative frameworks in civil aviation would eventually be amended to provide for incorporation by reference and the Standard would need to be developed through a process of extensive stakeholder consultation
- there is a need to not only cover services within New Zealand, but also to and from New Zealand
Accordingly, it has been agreed to amend the present terms of reference for the review by deleting use of draft Version 10 of the AR/AA Standard and to add a “catch all” requirement. The new terms of reference for the review will be:
Terms of Reference
- Consider local operational standards applying to Air Rescue/Air Ambulance operations and services with a view to developing and applying best practice principals
- To review and identify deficiencies in the application and interpretation and compliance with the existing standards
- To determine the criteria and process for the granting of exemptions to the Standard
- To determine the review periods for Standard development
- Any other matter considered relevant to the development of the Standard including transition to the new Standard
For the purpose of clarity it has also been agreed that there will be a visioning statement inserted into the Standard.
The visioning statement is as follows:
The Standard shall provide an assurance to customers that air resources, when deployed, comply with the Standard, are provided by capable and competent crews and that a duty of care is exercised in respect of all on board.
Methodology
As the approach is now one of a “greenfields” document it is considered appropriate that there be appointed an expert drafting committee who will prepare the base document for the previously appointed panel to consider. To achieve this there will be changes to the process, timetable and role of the panel. There will be no change to the method of operation, which will be by consensus and majority views prevailing.
Process
Appointment of a drafting committee. The drafting panel will draft the base document. This panel presently consists of:
- David Waters – Ambulance New Zealand (facilitator)
- Mark Masters – Chair drafting committee
- Rea Wikaira – Chair AIA AR/AA division
- John Funnell – Chief Pilot
- Peter Kidd – Chief Pilot
- Peter Turnbull – Chief Pilot
- Grant Withers – Chief Pilot
- Brent Williams – Chief Pilot
- Francis Kuriger – Fixed Wing Operator
- Roger Hortop – Rotary Wing Operator
- Donaleen Shiell – NASO
- Karyn Hathaway – Flight Nurses Assoc
- Nigel Clifford – RCCNZ
- Troy Brown - DHBNZ
- Shay McGuinness – DHBNZ
- Henny Nicholls – DHBNZ
- Dianna Keys - DHBNZ
Members of the expert reference group and any other members of industry who believe they can make a significant contribution to the process have the opportunity to join the drafting panel.
Role of the drafting committee. Will be to consider all feedback and to develop a document which will be forwarded to the expert panel for their consideration. The expert panel may also be called upon from time-to-time to provide specific feedback on issues.
Process control. This process will be under the control of David Waters however,
Rea Wikaira will be the primary contact for the expert panel and all communications will be directed via Rea.
Time Frames
- Friday 29 May - close-off date for submissions
- Thursday 4 June – drafting committee to meet.
- Monday 15 June - majority sign-off by drafting panel
- Tuesday 16 June - AA/AR division meeting
- Period of wider consultation with agencies and stakeholders
- Tuesday 28 July - aviation industry input AR/AA division of AIA
- Peer review by expert panel
- Final sign-off and recommendation by expert panel
- Mid-November - consideration by governing bodies of AIA and Ambulance New Zealand
- End-of-year - publication of the new Standard
Revised Role of Expert Reference Group
The previously appointed panel will now be re-titled the External Reference Group (ERG).
The function of this group shall be:
- to consider specific matter referred to them by the drafting committee
- to review the various iterations of the draft documents and comment on major issues
- to submit collectively or individually on specific matters to the drafting panel
- to recommend acceptance of the draft standard to the AIA Council.
Composition of the Expert Reference Group
Operational
Medical
- Dr Craig Ellis FACEM Specialist Emergency Physician at Hawke’s Bay Hospital and the Regional Medical Advisor for St John, Central Region
- Dr Sarah Aldington Medical Officer Air New Zealand Limited
- Dr Shawn Sturland NZNC JFICM full time specialist in the intensive care unit
Signed
Irene King
Chief Executive Aviation Industry Association
David Waters
Chief Executive Ambulance New Zealand
