Following is an excerpt from the AIM on using the LIFEGUARD callsign.
The use of LIFEGUARD is way over used and has gotten to the point that for the most part it's meaningless. Actually, ATC has a fairly good grasp on it but our fellow pilots flying out of uncontrolled fields for the most part ignore it, especially from the other Air Carriers. I only file LIFEGUARD when I have a patient or organs on board. If I'm flying with an RN and/or EMT only on the way to pickup a patient, a scheduled patient transfer, the LIFEGUARD is left off my callsign.
It's a shame when someone calls taxiing and another aircraft calls "short base" thus holding me in position, then 30 seconds later a different voice from the same plane calls 4nm base, then someone is trying to get priority over the LIFEGUARD flight. Happens all the time.
Curtis
b. Air Ambulance Flights.
The use of LIFEGUARD is way over used and has gotten to the point that for the most part it's meaningless. Actually, ATC has a fairly good grasp on it but our fellow pilots flying out of uncontrolled fields for the most part ignore it, especially from the other Air Carriers. I only file LIFEGUARD when I have a patient or organs on board. If I'm flying with an RN and/or EMT only on the way to pickup a patient, a scheduled patient transfer, the LIFEGUARD is left off my callsign.
It's a shame when someone calls taxiing and another aircraft calls "short base" thus holding me in position, then 30 seconds later a different voice from the same plane calls 4nm base, then someone is trying to get priority over the LIFEGUARD flight. Happens all the time.
Curtis
b. Air Ambulance Flights.
Because of the priority afforded air ambulance flights
in the ATC system, extreme discretion is necessary
when using the term “LIFEGUARD.” It is only
intended for those missions of an urgent medical
nature and to be utilized only for that portion of the
flight requiring expeditious handling. When requested
by the pilot, necessary notification to
expedite ground handling of patients, etc., is provided
by ATC; however, when possible, this information
should be passed in advance through non
in the ATC system, extreme discretion is necessary
when using the term “LIFEGUARD.” It is only
intended for those missions of an urgent medical
nature and to be utilized only for that portion of the
flight requiring expeditious handling. When requested
by the pilot, necessary notification to
expedite ground handling of patients, etc., is provided
by ATC; however, when possible, this information
should be passed in advance through non
−ATC
communications systems.
communications systems.
1.
Civilian air ambulance flights responding to
medical emergencies (first call to an accident scene,
carrying patients, organ donors, organs, or other
urgently needed lifesaving medical material) will be
expedited by ATC when necessary. When expeditious
handling is necessary, add the word “LIFEGUARD”
in the remarks section of the flight plan. In
radio communications, use the call sign “LIFEGUARD”
followed by the aircraft registration
letters/numbers.
medical emergencies (first call to an accident scene,
carrying patients, organ donors, organs, or other
urgently needed lifesaving medical material) will be
expedited by ATC when necessary. When expeditious
handling is necessary, add the word “LIFEGUARD”
in the remarks section of the flight plan. In
radio communications, use the call sign “LIFEGUARD”
followed by the aircraft registration
letters/numbers.
2.
Similar provisions have been made for the use
of “AIR EVAC” and “MED EVAC” by military air
ambulance flights, except that these military flights
will receive priority handling only when specifically
requested.
of “AIR EVAC” and “MED EVAC” by military air
ambulance flights, except that these military flights
will receive priority handling only when specifically
requested.
EXAMPLE
−
Lifeguard Two Six Four Six.
3.
Air carrier and Air Taxi flights responding to
medical emergencies will also be expedited by ATC
when necessary. The nature of these medical
emergency flights usually concerns the transportation
of urgently needed lifesaving medical materials
or vital organs. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE
COMPANY/PILOT DETERMINE, BY THE NATURE/
URGENCY OF THE SPECIFIC MEDICAL
CARGO, IF PRIORITY ATC ASSISTANCE IS
REQUIRED. Pilots shall ensure that the word
“LIFEGUARD” is included in the remarks section of
the flight plan and use the call sign “LIFEGUARD”
followed by the company name and flight number for
all transmissions when expeditious handling is
required. It is important for ATC to be aware of
“LIFEGUARD” status, and it is the pilot’s
responsibility to ensure that this information is
provided to ATC.
medical emergencies will also be expedited by ATC
when necessary. The nature of these medical
emergency flights usually concerns the transportation
of urgently needed lifesaving medical materials
or vital organs. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE
COMPANY/PILOT DETERMINE, BY THE NATURE/
URGENCY OF THE SPECIFIC MEDICAL
CARGO, IF PRIORITY ATC ASSISTANCE IS
REQUIRED. Pilots shall ensure that the word
“LIFEGUARD” is included in the remarks section of
the flight plan and use the call sign “LIFEGUARD”
followed by the company name and flight number for
all transmissions when expeditious handling is
required. It is important for ATC to be aware of
“LIFEGUARD” status, and it is the pilot’s
responsibility to ensure that this information is
provided to ATC.
