Episode 34-HEMS

Our resident flight crew member Kevin Mazza takes the lead in our discussion about helicopter use in EMS (HEMS).

What goes on when we call for a helicopter, why does it take time, and what can we do as a team to work together and maximize the use of this expensive (and risky) resource for our patients? Kevin breaks it down for the gang and gives us insight on what HEMS can (and can't) do.

Using the FALTER mnemonic:

https://www.ems1.com/air-medical-transport/articles/1589630-How-to-decide-when-to-call-an-air-ambulance/

The costs of air ambulance use:

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/09/25/647531500/taken-for-a-ride-doctor-injured-in-atv-crash-gets-56-603-bill-for-air-ambulance

Using a standardized handoff method and MIST:

http://www.naemsp-blog.com/emsmed/2017/7/27/the-ems-ed-handoff-a-critical-moment-in-patient-care

The National Air Medical Memorial:

http://www.airmedicalmemorial.com