Criteria to Request Helicopter

• Altered level of consciousness

• Airway compromise

• Severe respiratory distress – rate <10 >29

• Shock – systolic B/P <90

• Multi-systems trauma

Anatomical Findings:

• Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with need for emergent cardiac care such as cardiac catheterization

• Head injuries

• Chest trauma

• Penetrating injuries

• Toxicology patients (poisonings, or exposure via inhalation or skin)

• Near-drowning

• Burns – 10% or greater or inhalation injuries (for transfer to burn center)

• Severe amputations

• Two or more fractures involving humerus, femur or pelvis

Environmental Factors:

• If weather, road or traffic conditions would delay patient’s access to ALS

• If time needed for ground transport to an appropriate receiving facility poses a threat to patient’s survival or recovery

Other Factors:

• Ground ALS unavailable

• Multi-patient incidents

• Remote area emergencies – hunting accidents, remote childbirth

Mechanism of Injury:

• Ejection from automobile

• Death in same passenger compartment

• Extrication time >20 minutes

• Falls >20 feet

• Roll-over

• High-speed auto crash Initial speed >40 mph

• Velocity change >20 mph

• Major auto deformity >20 inches

• Intrusion into passenger compartment >12 inches

• Auto-pedestrian injury with significant (>5 mph) impact

• Pedestrian thrown or run over

• Motorcycle crash >20 mph or with separation of rider and bike

Patient Preparation Checklist

• Designate SMO (Scene Medical Officer)

• Airway – O₂ 10-15 LPM by NRBM

• Intubate with c-spine precautions

• Breathing – assist by Bag Valve Mask if indicated. Assess breath sounds.

• Circulation – large bore IVs or appropriate IVs

• Secure patient to long board with C-collar, cervical immobilization device, and secure hands/feet.

• Keep patient warm, secure blankets

• Upon their arrival at scene, SMO medical report to flight crew include VS, LOC, exam findings with tx begun, and description of accident with mechanism on injury.

• Attempt to obtain patient’s ID

1-800-535-0911 -- Guthrie Communications Center (dispatch for on-scene response or interfacility transport)

(570) 882-4930 -- hangar

(570) 882-4919 -- program director

(570) 882-4936 -- fax