SERVICES

VERTEX has Experts that Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk.

Unlike others, VERTEX provides forensic consulting alongside traditional AEC services which allows for a 360 degree view of your project.

VERTEX Services

Experts

Need an expert for your case?

Our forensics experts work alongside AEC specialists which enhances our skills and bolsters the credibility of our expert consultants.

Find an Expert

Portfolio

VERTEX delivers innovative solutions on complex projects globally.

Since 1995, VERTEX has completed over 90,000 projects.

View Portfolio

INSIGHTS

VERTEX believes in a Lifetime of Learning philosophy.

Stay current with our industry experts as they share their insights and knowledge on the built environment.

View Insights

Grow Your Career

Join Our Team

VERTEX is looking for talented individuals to join a highly technical team of forensic consultants, design engineers, construction managers, and environmental scientists.

Learn More

Contact Us

Have a question or want to speak with a technical professional?

VERTEX is a multi-discipline firm with global coverage. Our international network of resources enables us to provide multi-national clients with the most qualified local professionals who understand the culture, language, and regulatory framework.

Call Us: 888.298.5162

Call Us

Call us at 888.298.5162.

Hospital Helicopter Patient Transport – Noise Exposure Evaluation

The helicopter transport team transports critically ill or injured patients from surrounding counties aboard helicopters that are equipped with the most advanced life support equipment. The helicopter transport team is experienced with inter-facility transports, scene transports and specialty care.

Each helicopter transport team generally consists of the following:

  • Pilot – Up front and inside the helicopter during start up.
  • Crew 1 – Up front and inside the helicopter during start up.
  • Crew 2 – Provides a visual assessment of the helicopter during start up and prior to take off. This includes a walk around the helicopter to observe maintenance issues. Crew 2 walks directly underneath the rotors during start up. Crew 2 enters the helicopter just prior to take off.

VERTEX’s scope of work consisted of the collection of personal noise exposure and ambient sound pressure level (SPL) measurements following Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Three employees and one ambient location were monitored during a simulated working experience. The simulation was performed using a EC145e, a twin engine light utility helicopter. It is reported to be the loudest of the Fleet. During our simulation, the helicopter transport team employees were performing their various tasks associated with helicopter operation including start up, idling, and at flight speed. The Pilot and Crew 1 simulated a typical conversation with the team as well as with dispatch and utilized the normal commands and operation in the cockpit.

After sampling, the data was downloaded to Noise Management software to be interpreted and reported. VERTEX analyzed the data to include various scenarios based on the shift variety described by the team. The crew may work 10-to-12-hour shifts. During the shift they generally encounter one to three calls for response. The average response takes approximately 65 minutes including start up, flight, idle time, and return. The crew report that the helicopter usually remains in idle mode during rescue. Calls may require further flight distance and require the crew to be exposed for up to 90 minutes each way. To accommodate the different scenarios, VERTEX calculated the noise exposure for 4-hour, 8-hour, and 12-hour exposure episodes. VERTEX evaluated the noise protection provided to the crew as well to determine if the noise reduction rating was appropriate for the tasks. Hearing protectors must reduce employee noise exposures to at least 90 dBA, unless an employee has experienced a standard threshold shift (STS). The crew generally wear helmets which offer Active Noise Reduction (ANR) technology. ANR technology possesses the ability to improve communication, reduce fatigue, and may also reduce hearing loss over time. VERTEX provided a final noise assessment report with documented observations, analysis of data and recommendations for crew hearing conservation.

To learn more about VERTEX’s Environmental services or to speak with an Expert, call 888.298.5162 or submit an inquiry.

Back to Projects