In light of an increase in medical helicopter crashes last year, safety precautions will be the focus of medical helicopter safety hearings before the National Transportation Safety Board. The Association of Air Medical Services, the Helicopter Association International and the Air Medical Operators Association are recommending the NTSB adopt proven technologies and systems and streamlined corresponding compliance standards for all flights, particularly those conducted in low lighting and changing weather. The three groups outlined their recommendations in a joint position paper, the major recommendations of which include that medical night-flight operations be required to use night vision goggles and that Congress expedite funding for hospital helipads, off-airport weather reporting and global positioning systems technologies. The associations also believe the FAA should study flight crew fatigue factors, establish guidelines to discourage “helicopter shopping” among local emergency-response networks and adopt regulations that govern equipment, devices and procedures.