Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
What is the primary benefit of using air medical transport?
Which type of aircraft is most frequently used for short-distance transports?
What is a disadvantage of using air medical transport?
When should you consider calling for air medical transport?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of patients should be considered for air medical transport?
Signup and view all the answers
What information will dispatch ask for when requesting air medical transport?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a requirement for the landing zone?
Signup and view all the answers
How should you approach the helicopter?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do during a night landing?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do during a hazardous materials incident?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Air Medical Transport
- Air medical transport can speed up the transfer of patients from trauma or medical calls to definitive care
- Factors to consider when using air medical transport:
- Patient condition: Does it warrant the risk of using air medical transport?
- Time: Will air medical transport truly save time?
- Resources: What resources are brought to the patient that may not be available otherwise?
Types of Aircraft
- Rotor Wing (helicopter): Most frequently used for short-distance transports
- Fixed Wing service: Used for longer-distance transports
- Examples of air medical transport services:
- Duke's rotor Wing service
- Upstate fixed Wing service
Advantages of Air Medical Transport
- Can help patients receive definitive care within the recommended time frame
- Reduces transport time for distant hospitals
- Early decision-making is crucial when considering air medical transport
- Helicopters can provide less injury to patients with spinal injuries over terrain
Disadvantages of Air Medical Transport
- Patients in cardiac arrest or with pre-arrest conditions may need to be transported by ground due to space limitations
- Weather or terrain may prevent or limit air transport
- Aircraft cabin size limitations
- Cost can be a factor
- Potential for crash or injury during transport
When to Call for Air Medical Transport
- Ground transportation takes too long
- Conditions limit or prohibit ground transportation
- Patient requires advanced care or multiple patients that can overwhelm the hospital system
Patient Selection for Air Medical Transport
- Patients with time-dependent injuries or illnesses (e.g., trauma, strokes, diving accidents)
- Patients requiring blood products
- Patients with serious conditions (e.g., submersions, skiing or wilderness accidents)
Requesting Air Medical Transport
- Direct requests through dispatch
- Dispatch will ask for patient weight due to helicopter weight limits
- Ground crew may access the flight crew on the radio frequency
- Factors to consider before requesting air medical transport:
- Weather
- Environment and terrain
- Altitude
- Air speed limitations
- Cabin size limitations
- Cost
Establishing a Landing Zone
- Responsibility of the EMS crew, with assistance from fire and police partners
- Requirements for the landing Zone:
- Hard or cropped grassy level surface
- At least 60 by 60 ft, 100 by 100 ft recommended
- Clear of loose debris and overhead hazards
- Marking the landing Zone:
- Weighted cones or emergency vehicles at the corners with headlights facing inward (forming an X)
- No use of accident tape, people, or flares
- Notify the flight crew of any hazards and clear non-essential personnel and vehicles from the area
Approaching the Helicopter
- Familiarize yourself with the capabilities, protocols, and methods for accessing the helicopter
- Approach and depart the aircraft from the front, unless otherwise directed
- Keep the pilot in view at all times and stay away from the tail rotor
- Walk in a crouch position when approaching the aircraft
- Never approach the helicopter from the rear or carry anything above your head
Night Landings
- Do not shine spotlights or flashlights in the air
- Direct lights towards the ground
- Approach the aircraft from the downhill side only on uneven ground
- Do not move the patient to the helicopter until signaled by the flight crew
Hazardous Materials Incidents
- Notify the flight crew immediately if it's a Hazmat scene
- Establish the landing Zone upwind and uphill from the scene
- Patients exposed to Hazmat must be decontaminated before loading into the aircraft
Air Medical Transport
- Air medical transport speeds up patient transfer to definitive care in trauma or medical calls
- Factors to consider: patient condition, time, and resources
Types of Aircraft
- Rotor Wing (helicopter): for short-distance transports
- Fixed Wing service: for longer-distance transports
- Examples: Duke's rotor Wing service, Upstate fixed Wing service
Advantages of Air Medical Transport
- Helps patients receive definitive care within recommended time frame
- Reduces transport time for distant hospitals
- Early decision-making is crucial
- Helicopters can reduce injury to patients with spinal injuries over terrain
Disadvantages of Air Medical Transport
- Patients in cardiac arrest or with pre-arrest conditions may require ground transport
- Weather or terrain may prevent or limit air transport
- Aircraft cabin size limitations
- Cost can be a factor
- Potential for crash or injury during transport
When to Call for Air Medical Transport
- Ground transportation takes too long
- Conditions limit or prohibit ground transportation
- Patient requires advanced care or multiple patients that can overwhelm the hospital system
Patient Selection for Air Medical Transport
- Patients with time-dependent injuries or illnesses (e.g., trauma, strokes, diving accidents)
- Patients requiring blood products
- Patients with serious conditions (e.g., submersions, skiing or wilderness accidents)
Requesting Air Medical Transport
- Direct requests through dispatch
- Patient weight is required due to helicopter weight limits
- Ground crew may access the flight crew on the radio frequency
- Factors to consider: weather, environment, terrain, altitude, air speed, cabin size, and cost
Establishing a Landing Zone
- Responsibility of EMS crew with assistance from fire and police partners
- Requirements: hard level surface, at least 60 by 60 ft, clear of debris, and marked with cones or emergency vehicles
Approaching the Helicopter
- Familiarize yourself with helicopter capabilities and protocols
- Approach and depart from the front, unless otherwise directed
- Keep the pilot in view and stay away from the tail rotor
- Walk in a crouch position when approaching
Night Landings
- Do not shine lights in the air
- Direct lights towards the ground
- Approach from the downhill side on uneven ground
- Do not move the patient until signaled by the flight crew
Hazardous Materials Incidents
- Notify the flight crew immediately if it's a Hazmat scene
- Establish the landing Zone upwind and uphill from the scene
- Patients exposed to Hazmat must be decontaminated before loading into the aircraft
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about the considerations and benefits of using air medical transport for patient care, including factors such as patient condition, time, and resources. Explore the types of aircraft used in this process.
