The Helicopter Association International (HAI) First Responder Program database is now online at Rotor.com. Helicopter pilots are encouraged to sign up so that when emergency situations arise, flight and ground crews can be mobilized quickly.
While Hurricane Katrina proved that helicopters save lives, it also highlighted the shortcomings in emergency response coordination, HAI officials note. Even with considerable advance notice of the Category 5 hurricane, days passed before rescuers were in full swing, evacuating the stranded and airlifting in supplies.