When to call for MedFlight

• Multiple-system trauma

• Unresponsive to verbal stimulation

• Systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg

• Respiratory rate less than 10/min. or greater than 30/min.

• Pulse rate less than 60 bpm or greater than 120 bpm

• Entrapment (vehicular, industrial, residential or agricultural)

• Associated fatality in the accident vehicle

• Revised Trauma Score of 11 or less

• Transport time greater than 15 minutes

• Major burns

• Pediatric Emergencies

• Other surgical or medical emergencies

Special considerations

The following situations may require direct

discussions between the requesting agency/physician

and the MedFlight Crew (Pilot and Medical Crew):

• Patient's weight exceeds 350 pounds
• Impending delivery of a newborn
• Prisoner and/or "suspect" who requires an armed guard/officer
• Hazardous Material Injuries
• Impending or confirmed Traumatic Arrest

Preparations for Helicopter Transport

• When MedFlight arrives, the person in charge of the patient's  care should have patient condition information ready. Prepare a complete copy of medical records, a copy of the patient information sheet (face sheet) and all pertinent x-ray/CT films. Please have two copies of the face sheet and transfer form (one for the receiving facility and one for the flight crew).
• MedFlight policies require all trauma patients to be transported securely immobilized on a long spine board, regardless of x-ray interpretation.
• The MedFlight team will explain the transport procedure to the patient and family.

Patient Packaging

• Secure airway if possible
• Trauma patients require full spinal immobilization
• Initiate two large bore IVs
• Insert foley catheter if appropriate

INFORMATION REQUIRED

INTER-HOSPITAL FLIGHTS:

• Copy of medical records
• Pertinent laboratory and diagnostic data
• Copy of all radiographs
• Pre-hospital records

SCENE FLIGHTS

• Patient Identification and DOB
• Mechanism of injury
• Rate of deceleration if pertinent and structural damage noted
• Restraint utilization?
• ETOH?
• Injuries noted
• Medical history, medication and allergy history if known

The Initial Contact:

When you contact MedFlight, please have the following initial information:

• Your name and affiliated agency
• Call-back telephone number and/or radio frequency (and PL tone)
• Patient location
• Patient's approximate age and weight
• Patient's most current vital signs
• Treatment rendered to the patient up to the time of the call

If you are calling about an accident scene, add the following information:

• Type of accident (e.g.: rollover, ejection, pedestrian, entrapment, etc)
• Any Hazardous Materials involved?
• Accident location
• Possible landing zone location, description and/or GPS coordinates

Placing the MedFlight Team on "STANDBY":

You can place the MedFlight team on "Standby" if you question whether our services are needed. Give the Communications Specialist the following information when you call:

• Nature of the accident
• Location of the accident or hospital
• Possible landing site - specify whether the hospital has a helipad
• Call-back telephone number
• Radio frequency and name of the person in charge at the scene or at the hospital

** Please remember to cancel the "Standby" if the MedFlight helicopter is NOT needed.