Air Transport SOP for Patient Care

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of obtaining a physician's signature on the aeromedical transport order?

To record the patient's medical history

To document the weight and gender of the patient

To authorize the transport of the patient by air (correct)

To confirm the patient's insurance details

Which piece of information is NOT required for planning aeromedical transport?

Patient condition and vital signs

Patient's emotional stability (correct)

Desired receiving hospital

Communication with the landing site regarding adverse weather

What should be included in the EMS Scene/Ground Personnel communication to HEMS service?

Total distance to the hospital

Patient's dietary preferences

Landing description & site location (correct)

List of medical personnel on site

In case of adverse weather conditions at the site, which action is recommended?

Communicate weather conditions to HEMS service Signup and view all the answers

Which aeromedical service requires 2 RNs for transport?

UCAN Signup and view all the answers

What is the safest distance to keep patients from the landing zone?

150 ft Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to secure the area around the landing site?

Use rope, barricades or vehicles Signup and view all the answers

Which signal is appropriate during the day for a helicopter to land?

Stand with back to the wind and use hand signals Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum allowable slope for a helicopter landing site?

8° Signup and view all the answers

When should bystanders be kept away from the landing area?

During the approach and landing phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step before approaching a helicopter after it lands?

Wait for the pilot to signal you to approach Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to protect individuals from dust and debris during helicopter landings?

Wear protective eye covering Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if two or more rescuers are present at the landing site?

One should be in front and another to the side within the pilot's view Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for considering air transport when ground transport time exceeds 30 minutes?

The patient requires urgent transport to a distant trauma center. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario necessitates contacting the OLMC physician for air transport authorization?

Circumstances indicate that specialized medical skills or equipment are required at the scene. Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed regarding the extrication time when considering air transport?

The anticipated duration for safely removing the patient from the scene. Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance is ground transport generally more appropriate than air transport?

When ground transport time from scene to the destination is less than or equal to 30 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum combined time for scene and transport that may prompt consideration of air transport when significant intervention is required?

10 minutes scene + 30 minutes transport Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of traffic patterns influence in the EMS decision-making process?

Deciding whether to contact an air transport service. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a consideration before authorizing air transport?

The need for immediate surgical intervention. Signup and view all the answers

What should be documented on the PCR when air transport is authorized?

The name of the OLMC physician contacted. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical weather condition that helicopters cannot safely operate in?

Strong, gusty winds over 40 miles per hour Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a morbidly obese patient needs helicopter transport?

Contact the helicopter with the patient's estimated weight as soon as possible Signup and view all the answers

Which type of patient requires special considerations for transportation in a medical helicopter?

Combative patients who may need restraint or sedation Signup and view all the answers

What is the protocol for patients contaminated with hazardous materials regarding air transport?

They cannot be transported if there is contamination risk Signup and view all the answers

When transporting patients in cardiac arrest, what must be done prior to air transport?

A risk/benefit analysis should be conducted by medical control Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of completing an ePCR after a call involving helicopter transport?

To indicate participation and transfer of care Signup and view all the answers

What type of monitoring is conducted for all EMS runs utilizing helicopters?

Quality improvement monitoring Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of faxing a copy of the ePCR to the receiving hospital after a helicopter transport?

To ensure the receiving hospital is informed of the situation ASAP Signup and view all the answers

What precaution must be taken regarding the tail rotor when working around a helicopter?

One assertive team member must ensure responders stay clear. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done while approaching an aircraft with a patient when the engines are running?

Secure loose objects such as long hair and clothing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method for transporting a patient to a helicopter on sloped terrain?

Always approach from the downhill side. Signup and view all the answers

How should equipment be carried when approaching a helicopter?

Carry equipment below the waist and crouched. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with a patient's arms and chest when preparing for air transportation?

Leave arms free and chest exposed if possible. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration regarding ground scene time when using helicopter transport?

Total ground scene time for helicopter should be no more than 10 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before loading a patient onto the helicopter?

Apply spine motion restriction if indicated prior to loading. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if weather conditions appear poor before requesting a helicopter?

Have a back-up plan for ground transportation available. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aeromedical Transport Policies and Procedures

Air transport is indicated if ground transport exceeds 30 minutes when clinical circumstances require timely care.
Specific conditions warranting air transport include severe carbon monoxide poisoning with altered consciousness (GCS ≤13) and cases requiring access to hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
Essential equipment or skills needed at the scene, such as blood products or chest tubes, may necessitate air transport if they exceed EMS capabilities.

Scene Personnel Responsibilities

Conduct a rapid assessment of the mechanism of injury (MOI), number of patients, and injury severity.
Perform primary triage and assess air transport necessity based on ground transport times.
Maintain clear communication with the On-Line Medical Control (OLMC) at NCH to obtain authorization for air transport.

Resource Hospital Responsibilities

Follow ACEP's decision tree for appropriate air medical transport utilization.
Evaluate the necessity of air transport based on ground transport time, anticipated traffic congestion, and extrication needs.
Ensure a clear site for helicopters, safe from obstacles, with adequate distance from potential hazards.

Landing Zone Preparation

Site should be free of trees, wires, and debris; flat and smooth with minimal slope (no more than 8°).
Daylight landing zones should be marked using hand signals; night landing zones should have anchored flares or headlights positioned safely.
Ensure emergency vehicles are present with flashing lights, and establish crowd control to keep bystanders at least 150 feet from the landing zone.

Approaching and Loading the Aircraft

Approach only after the helicopter has safely landed and the rotor blades have stopped.
Maintain a low profile (crouched position) while carrying equipment and avoid raising any objects above waist level near the helicopter.
Flight crew will direct the loading process; do not assist unless requested.

Time-Saving Protocols

Request helicopter transport authorization early in the incident.
Ensure rapid patient transfer to the aircraft to minimize total scene time (ideally no more than 10 minutes).
Address any concerns for poor weather conditions and have contingency plans for ground transportation.

Special Patient Considerations

Handle patients with fractures carefully due to limited helicopter space; traction splints should fit within backboard limits.
Assess weight limitations for obese patients prior to transport.
Establish protocols for the transport of high-risk individuals, including combative or contaminated patients.

Documentation and Quality Improvement

Complete electronic patient care records (ePCR) after the incident to document care provided.
Quality management will review all helicopter transport incidents for effectiveness and adherence to protocols.

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Description

This quiz covers the standard operating procedures (SOP) for air transport of patients requiring specialized care or equipment. It addresses scenarios involving extended transport times and the need for resources beyond EMS capabilities. Test your knowledge on when air transport is indicated and the protocols involved.