NCC.IDE.H.190 First-aid kit

CONTENT OF FIRST-AID KITS

(a)First-aid kits should be equipped with appropriate and sufficient medications and instrumentation. However, these kits should be supplemented by the operator according to the characteristics of the operation (scope of operation, flight duration, number and demographics of passengers, etc.).

(b)The following should be included in the FAKs:

(1)Equipment:

(i)bandages (assorted sizes, including a triangular bandage);

(ii)burns dressings (unspecified);

(iii)wound dressings (large and small);

(iv)adhesive dressings (assorted sizes);

(v)adhesive tape;

(vi)adhesive wound closures;

(vii)safety pins;

(viii)safety scissors;

(ix)antiseptic wound cleaner;

(x)disposable resuscitation aid;

(xi)disposable gloves;

(xii)tweezers: splinter;

(xiii)thermometers (non-mercury); and

(xiv)surgical masks.

(2)Medications:

(i)simple analgesic (including paediatric form — if the type of operation does not include transport of children or infants, the paediatric form may not be included);

(ii)antiemetic — non-injectable;

(iii)nasal decongestant;

(iv)gastrointestinal antacid, in the case of helicopters carrying more than nine passengers;

(v)anti-diarrhoeal medication in the case of helicopters carrying more than nine passengers; and

(vi)antihistamine (including paediatric form — if the type of operation does not include transport of children or infants, the paediatric form may not be included).

(3)Other content. The operator should make the instructions readily available. If an electronic format is available, then all instructions should be kept on the same device. If a paper format is used, then the instructions should be kept in the same kit with the applicable equipment and medication. The instructions should include, as a minimum, the following:

(i)a list of contents in at least two languages (English and one other). This should include information on the effects and side effects of medications carried;

(ii)first-aid handbook, current edition;

(iii)Basic life support instructions cards (summarising and depicting the current algorithm for basic life support); and

(iv)medical incident report form.

(4)Additional equipment. The following additional equipment should be carried on board each aircraft equipped with a first-aid kit, though not necessarily in the first-aid kit. The additional equipment should include, as a minimum:

(i)automated external defibrillator (AED) on all aircraft required to carry at least one cabin crew;

(ii)bag-valve masks (masks in three sizes: one for adults, one for children, and one for infants);

(iii)suitable airway management device (e.g. supraglottic airway devices, oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways);

(iv)eye irrigator; and

(v)biohazard disposal bags.

MAINTENANCE OF FIRST-AID KITS To be kept up to date, first-aid kits should be:

(a)inspected periodically to confirm, to the extent possible, that contents are maintained in the condition necessary for their intended use;

(b)replenished at regular intervals, in accordance with instructions contained on their labels, or as circumstances warrant; and

(c)replenished after use in-flight at the first opportunity where replacement items are available.

LOCATION AND USE The location of the first-aid kit is normally indicated using internationally recognisable signs. The first-aid kit ‘should be readily accessible for use’ in helicopter operations should be understood as the first-aid kit being either accessible in flight or immediately after landing. In some operations it is not practicable to use the first-aid kit during flight. Therefore, the first-aid kit can be carried in the cargo compartment, where it will be easily accessible for use as soon as the aircraft has landed, when the following conditions are met:

(a)precautionary landing sites are available;

(b)the lack of cabin space is such that movement or use of the first-aid kit is impaired; and

(c)The installation of the first-aid kit in the cabin is not practicable.

STORAGE As a best practice and wherever practicable, the emergency medical equipment listed under AMC1 NCC.IDE.H.190 should be kept close together.

CONTENT OF FIRST-AID KITS The operator may supplement first-aid kits according to the characteristics of the operation based on a risk assessment. The assessment does not require an approval by the competent authority.

LITHIUM BATTERIES Risks related to the presence of lithium batteries should be assessed. All equipment powered by lithium batteries carried on an aeroplane should comply with the provisions of AMC1 NCC.GEN.130(f) including applicable technical standards such as (E)TSO-C142.