Topside medical providers UK SAR forum (TMF)

 
Terms of Reference

 
Terms

The forum will meet every six months to ensure a consistent approach is met with all Search & Rescue (SAR) Medical evacuations (Medevacs) from offshore energy companies within the UK SAR region. All Topside companies dealing with SAR authorities within the UK shall ensure they are working to the same terms and procedures.

The forum shall create sub-groups as required to tackle any particular subjects requiring further investigation and provide a summary report back to the main forum.

Membership/Structure

 
MCA

As lead coordinator for SAR Medevacs within this area, the MCA shall chair the group. All relevant coastguard operations and procedures will be discussed within the forum and updated as required.  

MCA/ SAR helicopter contractor crew/Medical lead

Permanent membership by the SAR crew or representatives is vital to ensure direct feedback is given to Topside and to ensure Topside are aware of changes to procedures’ and challenges presented to aircrew. Membership will allow refreshment of aircrew qualifications to be passed to Topside as new doctors join Topside companies.

Industry SAR Crew/Medical lead

Membership by the SAR crew is vital to ensure overall feedback is given to Topside and to ensure Topside are aware of changes to procedures’ and challenges presented to aircrew. Membership will allow refreshment of aircrew qualifications to be passed to Topside as new doctors join Topside companies.

All active Topside companies at the time of the meeting will hold membership

Active Topside companies should endeavour to provide a representative to each meeting to ensure a consistent approach to Offshore Medevacs is maintained and any useful information or learnings are shared as appropriate.

Offshore Energies UK

The medical lead for Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) shall be a permanent member of the group to ensure consistent and transparency with industry.

NHS Grampian

The medical lead will be a permanent member due to the location in Aberdeen and well established relationships with MCA and industry.

Commercial Air Transport (CAT) Helicopter Medical Leads

Membership is extended to the medical leads for each of the CAT organisations to ensure any implications on helicopter operations are addressed correctly.

Scottish Ambulance Service

SAS are a permanent member of the group given their responsibility for the transportation of casualties from a SAR or CAT aircraft to a suitable medical facility.

Operator Medical Leads

Given their involvement in medical evacuations and procedures, the medical leads from Operator companies, where relevant, are invited to be part of the group.

Police Scotland

With an important input in relation to offshore medevacs and policing procedures, Police Scotland are permanent members of the group.

Other relevant agencies will be invited to attend as and when the membership think it is appropriate, for example, this may include OEUK, oil & gas companies and local medical authorities.

Offshore medics SAR working group

Reporting to the TMF, this working group comprising organisations providing medics and/or medical training to offshore personnel are invited to discuss SAR medical matters. The group will remotely meet once a year, with the option of additional meetings as required. The MCA will chair this group and a report will be provided back to the TMF as a standing agenda item.