Night Vision Goggles in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Helicopters

摘要

This document addresses the potential use of night vision goggles (NVGs) by theemergency 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.