Night Vision Goggles in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Helicopters

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA283986 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This document addresses the potential use of night vision goggles NVGs by the emergency medical service EMS industry. Key issues analyzed are the night environment, physiology of the eye, characteristics of night vision devices, maintenance of the NVG, and night operations. Pilots from the government and EMS industry participated in a flight program at the FAA technical Center to assess the capabilities and utility of NVGs in EMS scenarios. The results of the tests are incorporated in the recommendations of this document. Information produced by other government agencies, with extensive experience with NVGS, was reviewed for use in this application and incorporated into the text. This investigation concludes that NVGs are a viable tool during en route and terminal operations during certain EMS scenarios. The NVG, when properly used, can increase safety, enhance situational awareness, and reduce pilot workload and stress normally associated with night operations. Rotorcraft, Night Vision Goggles, Night Flying, Emergency Medical Service

Author(s):
Sampson, William T. ; Simpson, Gary B. ; Green, David L.
Author Organization(s):
SYSTEMS CONTROL TECHNOLOGY INC ARLINGTON VA
Descriptive Note:
Final rept.
Pagination:
0091

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
SCT-93RR-22, DOT/FAA/RD-94/21
Contract/Grant Number(s):
DTFA01-87-C-00014
Monitor Series:
94/21, DOT
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_2.1_Planning and Direction; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_2.1.4_Evaluation; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.2.3_Share Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.6.4_Assess Guidance; JCA_5.6_Monitor; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_5.5.2_Task
Modernization Areas:
Directed Energy
Communities of Interest:
Biomedical
Descriptor(s):
*HELICOPTERS, *NIGHT VISION, *GOGGLES, *MEDICAL SERVICES, TEST AND EVALUATION, MAINTENANCE, SCENARIOS, INDUSTRIES, FLIGHT, SAFETY, PHYSIOLOGY, VISION, TERMINALS, AWARENESS, WORKLOAD, EYE, NIGHT VISION DEVICES, OPERATION, DOCUMENTS, ENVIRONMENTS, EMERGENCIES, TOOLS, PILOTS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Helicopters, Anatomy and Physiology, Protective Equipment
Report Date:
1994 Jul 01