Exit Interview from HEMS Aviation  

Introduction

In the adrenaline-fueled realm of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) aviation, where every flight seems like a heroic mission to save lives, a stark reality often lurks beneath the surface. As I bid farewell to this dynamic field, it is time for a candid exit interview – an unfiltered reflection on the industry's motives.

While the narrative often revolves around the nobility of saving lives from the skies, the truth is far more complex. Beneath the heroic façade lies a system driven by profit-hungry corporations, exploiting the very essence of emergency medical care. In this raw exploration, we delve into the disconcerting realization that, at times, it is not about the lives saved but rather a money grab orchestrated by entities with questionable intentions.

The Journey in HEMS Aviation

My initiation into the world of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) aviation was anything but conventional. A defining moment came after the chaos of Hurricane Katrina had subsided during a conference call interview involving seven individuals, where I was being considered for my first HEMS job. In that discussion with AMC, despite initially being told I lacked the flight hours for the position, I was awarded the job. Ironically, this revelation occurred in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, where a helicopter sat idle on the coast, accumulating a staggering $485,000 per month – a glaring example of profit over purpose.

Our mission during that period extended beyond aiding those in genuine distress. We found ourselves catering to situations that bordered on the absurd – emphasizing that, at times, HEMS was a tool for financial gain rather than a lifesaving apparatus.

To compound the frustration, entry-level medics, lacking the depth of experience, questioned safety protocols, advocating for flights in thunderstorms. The blatant disregard for safety in the pursuit of profit was disheartening, revealing a system that prioritized the bottom line over the well-being of both crew and patients. The presence of ex-military medics, often tainted by ignorance, added another layer of complexity to the challenging environment. It was a testament to an industry where competence and genuine concern took a back seat to misguided decisions driven by financial motives.

Reflecting on Challenges

After the conclusion of the Katrina contract, I found myself at an AMC base in Georgia, where, for a while, life felt stable and the med crews were a group of decent individuals. Finally settling into a sense of belonging after being tossed from one contract to another, the elusive feeling of stability took root.

However, the transient calm was soon disrupted by the backhanded buyout of Omniflight, an event that would irreversibly alter the landscape of stability in HEMS. Negotiations shredded a Collective Bargaining Agreement, dismantling the one good thing that had provided a semblance of stability in the volatile world of HEMS aviation.

After leaving AMC, I transferred to South Georgia with Air Evac. While the company was generally good, the location proved challenging, and yet again, I encountered a very problematic ex-military lead pilot. Without delving into the details, it suffices to say that he had multiple personality disorders. Eventually, due to my firm stance against disrespect and refusal to tolerate unprofessional behavior, he was suspended and relocated. This experience highlighted the persistent challenges in HEMS, not just limited to organizational changes but also dealing with interpersonal dynamics that could compromise the integrity of the team.

The Beginning of the End

Enter the transfer to the all delusional, all-knowing, all-mighty Atlanta hospital contract.  Immediately after the interview with said hospital I acknowledged that this would mark the conclusion of my aviation career. This sentiment, openly expressed to my peers, stemmed from a deep-seated intuition that I had entered a den of wolves. Every fiber in my being signaled that those at the helm were borderline criminals who never should have been entrusted with mature adult decision making processes. If I were in charge, they would have been fortunate to secure positions as bathroom cleaning staff, given their glaring unsuitability for leadership roles.

Here, we delve into the saga of a hospital “trans-port department,” an institution demanding reverence, yet harboring a culture steeped in arrogance and a tyrannical mindset. Within the sociopathic and narcissistic mentality of those who wielded power in the sky, the notion of the all-mighty hand of God took residence, steering the trajectory towards an unsettling conclusion. Once again, an ex-military lead pilot, lacking the education, experience, fortitude, gracefulness, pragmatism, common sense, or integrity, assumed a leadership role, further complicating the already tumultuous landscape.

The lead pilot, in collusion with an equally disastrous half-wit twin staff of medical “managers,” became an explosive recipe for disaster. Their actions fueled a toxic environment, pitting the crews against each other. Instead of focusing on essential duties, unprofessional backstabbing, gossip, talking about people behind their backs, and painting targets on individuals became the norm. This toxic concoction, brewed with a tribal mentality and a mandatory sip of proverbial Kool-Aid, should have been met with consequences far more severe than the legal system typically allows – perhaps a firing squad or a legal beating until the demise of such destructive practices.  In conclusion, all were either fired, “retired,” or relocated.  A fitting end despite years and years of childness, ignorance and stupidity at the helm.

Reflections on a Brighter Side

Amidst the tumultuous journey in HEMS aviation, there were moments that gleamed like beacons in the dark sky. Flying through calm winds, each flight became a canvas of serenity, a stark contrast to the chaos often encountered. The powerful expressions of gratitude from parents, guardians, or family members, for being a guiding light in their loved one's darkest hours, were profound. It was in these moments that the true impact of the job resonated, transcending the corporate motives, and revealing the human connection forged in the crucible of crisis.

Beautiful sunsets marked the conclusion of many flights, offering a moment of solace and reflection. Various tour flights after flight school provided a glimpse of the world from a different perspective, reminding me of the sheer joy and freedom that aviation brought. The paychecks, while not bad, served as a tangible acknowledgment of the efforts invested in this demanding profession

Finding respite in the base's accommodation after exhaustive day and night schedule changes became a small luxury, a moment to recharge before the next call to action. Contributing significantly to retirement was a silver lining, providing a sense of financial security amid the unpredictable nature of the job.

Among the challenges, there were friendships forged with the limited but genuine souls in the EMS community. Putting a figurative boot on the necks of those who made the work environment unbearable brought a sense of justice, a small victory in the face of adversity. Witnessing the demise of those who finally deserved it was a bitter yet inevitable chapter, a reminder that actions have consequences.

Yet, the most rewarding aspect was the eventual departure from what could devolve into a mundane "taxi driver" job. This departure allowed the pursuit of lifelong goals and passions, placing me firmly in charge of my own destiny. It signaled the end of an era where heretics, lunacy, insanity, and chaos were prevalent, making way for a future where serenity, purpose, and personal fulfillment take center stage. And lastly, the absolute freedom to finally be in control of your own destiny without any other stupid a** human being standing in your way while they pathetically validate their own meager existence.

Advice for Future Aviators

As I bid farewell to the skies, I share vital advice for future aviators navigating this challenging yet exhilarating realm. In both aviation and life, standing firm for well-being, principles, and unwavering ethical standards is crucial. Craft a roadmap for future endeavors, set goals that transcend immediate concerns, and maintain clarity amidst challenges. Embrace the mantra of being the positive change one wishes to see, stay aware of surroundings and company, and formulate an exit strategy for a seamless transition. Refuse to compromise principles, be a guiding light to oneself, and never tolerate others' nonsense.