Aeromedical Transport Guidelines 2023

Questions and Answers

Which condition requires immediate trauma assessment in patients aged 0-9 years?

Severe dehydration

Suspected skull fracture (correct)

Sprained ankle

Fractured fingertip

For patients aged 10-64 years, what is an indicator of life-threatening conditions?

Systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg (correct)

Heart rate greater than 120 bpm

Temperature over 100°F

Mild chest pain

Which symptom signifies the need for ventilatory support in patients aged 10-64 years?

Normal oxygen saturation

Respiratory rate greater than 40

Profuse sweating

Respiratory rate less than 10 (correct)

What blood pressure is classified as concerning for patients aged 65 years and older?

SBP below 110 mmHg Signup and view all the answers

What injury type mandates immediate care due to its severity?

Amputation proximal to wrist or ankle Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of information is NOT required for flight arrangements regarding aeromedical transport?

Patient's home address Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum perimeter size required for a landing zone during the daytime?

100 sq.ft. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor to consider regarding the safety of the landing zone?

Presence of trees and wires Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum nominal slope that a site should have for a landing zone?

8° Signup and view all the answers

Which item is necessary to provide to the helicopter dispatcher during a request?

Care that has already been performed Signup and view all the answers

What should a rescuer do when signaling a helicopter during the day?

Stand facing away from the wind Signup and view all the answers

How should the landing area be illuminated during nighttime operations?

One light at each corner and a fifth light upwind Signup and view all the answers

What information regarding patient transport should be provided if special devices or personnel are required?

Special devices and personnel needed Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to describe the landing zone using landmarks rather than street names?

Landmarks are less prone to changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended distance to keep bystanders from the landing area?

150 ft Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if traffic is present on a nearby roadway during a landing?

Have traffic stopped in both directions Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended distance for a landing zone to be from patients to ensure safety?

Far enough to provide safety from rotor winds Signup and view all the answers

In adverse weather conditions, what is the additional perimeter requirement for a landing zone?

150 sq.ft. Signup and view all the answers

What equipment should be present to ensure safety during helicopter landings?

Multiple fire extinguishers, including one dry chemical and one CO2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of having a vehicle with headlights crossing in the center of the landing area?

To serve as a visual reference for the helicopter pilot Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken regarding vehicles around the aircraft?

No vehicles, smoking or running engines should be allowed within 50 feet of the aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary recommendation regarding patient transport in the NWC EMSS policy?

Ground transport is strongly encouraged. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for making the decision to use aeromedical transport?

A physician after a risk benefit analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when selecting a helicopter service for transport?

Response times and proximity to the scene. Signup and view all the answers

Under which circumstance might aeromedical transport be justified?

When time is critical for a high acuity patient. Signup and view all the answers

What does OLMC stand for in the context of aeromedical transport decisions?

Online Medical Control Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial procedure for arranging helicopter transport according to the NWC EMSS policy?

Helicopter transport arrangements are to be made by OLMC personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the System Resource hospital play in aeromedical transport decisions?

It consults with and approves aeromedical transport decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential condition that warrants the use of aeromedical transport according to the policy?

Long distances to hospital facilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of completing an ePCR after a call?

To ensure proper documentation of participation in patient care Signup and view all the answers

How soon should the ePCR be faxed to the receiving hospital after a call?

Immediately or as soon as possible Signup and view all the answers

What is required from the NCH OLMC after a helicopter request is made?

Complete the NWC EMSS Helicopter Request Worksheet Signup and view all the answers

What does LEVEL I classification signify in air transport?

High risk for severe injury and need for immediate transport to a trauma center Signup and view all the answers

Which role is responsible for overseeing the quality management of all EMS runs using helicopters?

The EMS Medical Director Signup and view all the answers

What document must be forwarded by the NCH OLMC within 24 hours of all helicopter requests?

The NWC EMSS Helicopter Request Worksheet Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after completing an ePCR in patient care?

Fax a copy to the receiving hospital Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome if a helicopter request is denied?

OLMC must still fill out a request worksheet Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Policy Overview

The Use of Aeromedical Transport Vehicles policy encourages ground transport, reinforcing that air transport is a medical decision made by a physician.
The policy was approved on January 12, 2023, and supersedes an earlier version from July 1, 2014.

Decision-Making Criteria for Aeromedical Transport

Aeromedical transport should be considered for high acuity patients when speed is critical, particularly for long distances.
Consultation and approval from the On-Line Medical Control (OLMC) physician at Northwest Community Hospital (NCH) is mandatory for transport arrangements.

Scene Personnel Responsibilities

Information required by OLMC for flight arrangements includes:
- Agency name, contact person, and call back details.
- Patient count, age, incident type, and acuity.
- Patient condition summary, vital signs, and medical history.
- Care performed prior to transport.
- Detailed landing site location with GPS coordinates if possible.
- Timing for patient pickup and any special transportation requirements.
- Current weather conditions affecting the scene.

Landing Zone Safety

Landing zone must have a clear area of 100 sq. ft. or 150 sq. ft. in adverse conditions.
Key safety considerations include clearance from obstacles, proper slope, and safety from rotor winds.
Mark landing zones appropriately: use hand signals during the day and specific light arrangements at night.
Emergency vehicles present should have flashing lights; ensure area security to limit bystander access.

Patient Transfer and Quality Improvement

Complete an electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) after the call to document the transfer of care.
All helicopter EMS runs are subject to quality monitoring and review for ongoing improvement.

Emergency Medical System Designations

GEMS (Ground Emergency Medical Services) and HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) are integral to the operations of the aeromedical system.

Helicopter Request Worksheet

Critical data is compiled for helicopter requests, which include:
- Date and time of request.
- Type of incident and mechanism of injury.
- Level I trauma designations for patients at high risk for severe injury.
Specific patient criteria for air transport, including age and vital sign thresholds, are detailed for effective triage.

Special Considerations

Assessments must be made to determine if extrication is required and if specialized skills or equipment are needed on scene.

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Description

This quiz covers the key policies and decision-making criteria for aeromedical transport as outlined in the 2023 guidelines. It emphasizes the importance of physician approval and the responsibilities of scene personnel during transport arrangements. Test your knowledge on the operational standards for high acuity patient transport in emergency situations.