Course Library

Air Medical Transport

1. Medical Risks/Needs/Advantages
   1. Risks
      1. Aircraft crash
      2. Usually more severe restrictions on the number of caregivers for the patient.
   2. Needs
      1. Patient’s condition would benefit by decreasing transport interval
      2. Patient requires time-sensitive assessment or intervention not available at local facility.
      3. Patient is located in area not accessible by ground EMS team or ambulance.
   3. Advantages
      1. Decreased transport interval if transport distance is extreme
      2. Availability of highly trained medical crews
      3. Availability of specialized medical equipment
2. Safe Air Medical Operations
   1. Types
      1. Rotorcraft
      2. Fixed wing
   2. Advantages
      1. Specialized care – skills, supplies, equipment
      2. Rapid transport
      3. Access to remote areas
      4. Helicopter hospital helipads
   3. Disadvantages
      1. Weather/environmental
      2. Altitude limitations
      3. Airspeed limitations
      4. Aircraft cabin size
      5. Terrain
      6. Cost
   4. Patient Transfer
      1. Interacting with flight personnel
      2. Patient preparation
      3. Scene safety
         • Securing loose objects
         • Approaching the aircraft
         • Landing zone
   5. Landing Zone Selection and Preparation
   6. Approaching the Aircraft
   7. Communication Issues
3. Criteria for Utilizing Air Medical Response
   1. Indications for Patient Transport
      1. Medical
      2. Trauma
      3. Search and rescue
   2. Activation
      1. Local guidelines
      2. State guidelines
         • State statutes
         • Administrative rules
         • City/county/district ordinance standards