Policy 1–Air Evacuation

What does the Description section say about air evacuation contact?

Air evacuation contact should reflect the closest responding helicopter, in the interest of time and optimal patient care.

What is a Level III Trauma Center capable of, per the Indications section?

Initial treatment and stabilization of any injury — however, certain injuries require treatment by a Level II or higher Trauma Center.

Where should multisystem trauma patients be transported from the field, for best outcome?

A Level I or Level II Trauma Center.

What vital sign criteria send a blunt trauma patient to a Level I or II Trauma Center?

Unstable vital signs: BP < 90 mmHg, RTS < 11, or GCS < 13.

What injury locations require a Level I or II Trauma Center for penetrating injury?

Head, neck, chest, or abdomen.

What limb injury requires a Level I or II Trauma Center?

Limb amputations that have the possibility of replantation.

What neurological finding requires a Level I or II Trauma Center?

Paralysis or other signs of spinal cord injury.

What skull and pelvic findings require a Level I or II Trauma Center?

Open or suspected depressed skull fracture, or an unstable/open pelvic fracture.

Name the criteria that route a patient to a Level III Trauma Center instead of Level I/II.

Rapid acceleration/deceleration injuries, MVA with death of an occupant in the same vehicle, fall from less than 20 feet, single long bone fracture, or isolated trauma.

Which facility is named as the Burn Center?

Parkland Burn Center.

What burn criteria route a patient to the Burn Center?

Burns > 20% TBSA (2nd or 3rd degree), OR burns involving the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitalia.

Which facilities are named as Pediatric Trauma Centers?

Cook Children's in Ft. Worth, Children's Dallas, and Medical City Dallas.

What pediatric criterion routes a patient to a Pediatric Trauma Center?

All serious pediatric trauma.

Where should a patient with BOTH multisystem trauma and a burn be transported?

A Trauma Center.

Where should a patient with a burn ONLY (no multisystem trauma) be transported?

A Burn Center.

Why might a patient need air evacuation instead of ground transport?

They require critical life support during transport that is not available from a ground ambulance.

What logistical problem with ground transport can justify air evacuation?

Potential delays from road obstacles and traffic.

Why could using a local ground transport team be a problem for the community?

It would leave the local area without adequate EMS coverage while that crew is tied up on a long transport.

What ongoing medication need is listed as a reason for air evacuation?

The patient requires continuous IV antiarrhythmic medication.

What extra resource can some air ambulance units carry that ground units usually can't?

Blood products, which are useful for hemorrhagic shock/trauma patients.