Most air ambulance rescues are enabled by helicopters and the sound that they generate can be a huge hindrance for communication. Working around this problem is vital to keep the communication ongoing between crew members and also to maintain the efficacy of it. Active noise cancellation is one such technology that has brought about a paradigm change in the air ambulance industry. It simply does away with unwanted noise and makes the communication clearer. Helmets have now become a playground for newer technologies. However, while employing technology to make communication seamless, the weight of the helmets can be a concern.
Air Ambulance Rescue Helmets
Ergonomics and weight of helmets have become as important as the communication systems that they host. With all the technology, care must be taken to ensure that they do not hinder the rescue efforts.
Most helmets are connected to the helicopter intercom systems so that they can hear what is going on at any given point. Radios also play a major role here as communication with the ground team is also vital. Most helmets have a built-in radio receivers and speakers too but switching between the two can sometimes be a challenge. This is where customization comes into picture.
Customization of Air Ambulance Crew Communication Devices
There are several companies out there that churn out customized communication devices. Air ambulance organizations can get exactly what they want through them. For instance, switching between radio equipment and intercom would be truly a seamless process. However, there are a few drawbacks.
The main con is the price. Customization comes at a premium and the trade off between the utility and the price can be skewed. The other factor is aftermarket service, which might be poor, unavailable or highly expensive. Plus compatibility with changing technology can turn out to be a headache.
Air ambulances must factor in all the elements discussed above to come up with the best possible communication solution.
