Policy 1 - Air Evacuation

What should air evacuation contact reflect?

The closest responding helicopter

Why should air evacuation reflect the closest responding helicopter?

In the interest of time and optimal patient care

What is a Level III Trauma Center capable of treating?

Initial treatment and stabilization of any injury

What may certain injuries require beyond a Level III Trauma Center?

Treatment by a Level II or higher Trauma Center

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

A Level I or Level II Trauma Center

What blood pressure indicates unstable vital signs for multisystem blunt trauma requiring a Level I or II Trauma Center?

BP less than 90 mm Hg

What RTS value indicates unstable vital signs for multisystem blunt trauma requiring a Level I or II Trauma Center?

RTS less than 11

What GCS value indicates unstable vital signs for multisystem blunt trauma requiring a Level I or II Trauma Center?

GCS less than 13

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

Head, neck, chest, or abdomen

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

Limb amputation with possibility of replantation

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

Paralysis or other signs of spinal cord injury

What skull finding requires transport to a Level I or II Trauma Center?

Open or suspected depressed skull fracture

What pelvic finding requires transport to a Level I or II Trauma Center?

Unstable or open pelvic fracture

What mechanism qualifies a patient for a Level III Trauma Center?

Rapid acceleration/deceleration injuries

What MVA circumstance qualifies a patient for a Level III Trauma Center?

MVA with death of an occupant in the same vehicle

What fall height qualifies a patient for a Level III Trauma Center?

Fall from less than 20 feet

What fracture type qualifies a patient for a Level III Trauma Center?

Single long bone fracture

What trauma type qualifies a patient for a Level III Trauma Center?

Isolated trauma

What is the designated burn center for air evacuation?

Parkland Burn Center

What burn TBSA percentage qualifies a patient for Parkland Burn Center?

Burns greater than 20% TBSA (2nd or 3rd degree)

What burn locations qualify a patient for Parkland Burn Center regardless of TBSA?

Face, hands, feet, joints, or genitalia

What facilities are designated Pediatric Trauma Centers?

Cook Childrens in Ft. Worth, Childrens Dallas, and MedicalCity Dallas

What pediatric trauma cases should go to a designated Pediatric Trauma Center?

All serious pediatric trauma

Where should patients with both multisystem trauma and burn injuries be transported?

A Trauma Center

Where should patients with burn injuries only be transported?

A Burn Center

Why might air evacuation be needed for critical life support reasons?

It requires critical life support during transport that is not available from ground ambulance

What ground transport issue is a consideration favoring air evacuation?

Potential for delays in ground transport such as road obstacles and traffic

What local EMS coverage issue is a consideration favoring air evacuation?

Using a local ground transportation team would leave the local area without adequate EMS coverage

What ongoing treatment is a consideration favoring air evacuation?

Requiring continuous IV antiarrhythmics

What resource carried by some air units is a consideration for hemorrhagic shock/trauma patients?

Blood