St. Mary's CareFlight - Non-injury incident

Date: 04/10/2008  mnt

Program: St. Mary's CareFlight
	Grand Junction, Colorado

Type: Bell 412EP
Tail #: N412SM
Operator/Vendor: PHI

Weather: Clear. Not a factor

Team: Pilot, Nurse, Paramedic. No injuries reported. No patient. 

Description: 
	On initial start up for an interfacility transport a security guard
	witnessed a towel blow up through the rotor system. The security guard
	picked up the towel but failed to notify the crew of the incident. The
	crew was allowed to take off and fly away. Upon return the pilot was
	notified by the security supervisor of what had happen. The helicopter
	was taken out of service at that time and a thorough inspection was
	performed by the mechanic. No damage was discovered and the helicopter
	was returned to sevice.

Additional Info: 
	Security was informed of the seriousness of the incident. And it was
	explained that the guard on duty must inform the crew immediately of
	such an occurence. Additional training will be given to security
	personnel.

Source: Mike Johnson Lead Flight Paramedic

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The CONCERN network shares verified information to alert medical transport
programs when an accident / incident has occurred. Please share the above
information with your program staff. If you have further questions, please
contact the CONCERN Coordinator, David Kearns at 800 525 3712 or email:
coordinator@concern-network.org.

Copyright 2007 ASTNA