1. Aeromedical Operations

2. Why Call The Helicopter?
Access to interventions, equipment not available from ground unit. (Be sure this is true before calling for this reason.)
Access to remote areas
Rapid patient transport.
Think of it as an ambulance that goes 200 mph in a straight line.

3. Why Call The Helicopter?
Trauma Score <12
Glasgow Score<10
Penetrating trauma to head or torso
Injuries producing paralysis, lateralizing signs
Amputations, except digits
>2 Long bone fractures
Crush injury to head or torso
Burns of face, feet, hands, perineum
Respiratory burns
Electrical or chemical burns
Patient <12 or >55
Near drownings

4. Why Call The Helicopter?
Adults with:
Systolic BP <90
Respiratory rate <10 or >35
Heart rate <60 or >120
Unresponsive to verbal stimuli

5. Why Call The Helicopter?
Mechanism of Injury
Unbelted vehicle rollover
Vehicle vs. Pedestrian >20mph
Falls >10ft
Motorcycle ejection >20mph
Multiple victims

6. Why Call The Helicopter?
Difficult Access
Wilderness rescue
Difficult road conditions, weather, traffic
Time/Distance Factors
Trauma center >15 minutes
Extrication time >20 minutes
Ground transport time >Air transport time
Ground transport would remove local coverage

7. Packaging/Transport Considerations
Backboard size
Traction splints
ET tube cuffs
MAST
IV bag pressure infusers
Auscultation of chest sounds

8. Landing Zone Flat area clear of obstructions
Nighttime: 100 feet x 100 feet
At least 50 yards from rescue scene to minimize rotor wash effects
Remove loose debris; Wet down area with water fog to minimize dust

9. Landing Zone On divided highways, stop all traffic in both directions
Warn crew of locations of power lines, poles, antennas, trees
Mark each corner of LZ; put a 5th device on the upwind side
NEVER point any kind of light at a helicopter on approach at night

10. Landing Zone Move bystanders back at least 200 feet
Keep emergency personnel 100 feet away during landing
No smoking within 50 feet of aircraft

11. Communications with Crew12 6 3 9
Describe your location in terms of the ship’s location, not yours
For example: “Medivac 1, we have you in sight. We are at your 10 o’clock position.”

12. Operations Near Helicopters
Secure all loose items, including hats and stretcher sheets
Never approach until pilot signals you to
Approach from front, keeping pilot in sight
Approach from downhill if ship is on incline
NEVER cross behind or underneath the ship

13. Operations Near Helicopters
Crouch when approaching, leaving ship
NEVER attempt to open a door or operate other equipment on the ship
Follow ALL crew instructions exactly

14. Operations Near Helicopters
By federal law, the pilot has absolute command over the ship
He has final authority to determine whether or not to attempt a mission or a maneuver
Highest priority always is given to the safety of the ship and its crew