Deployment of Helicopters SOP

Question 1

Define HEMS criteria for a tasking

Answer 1

Requires:
- Rapid transport of the team to the scene to deliver critical care
- Rapid transport of the patient from the scene to a specialist facility

Question 2

What are the criteria for assistance with specific conditions

Answer 2

MI - STEMI and >45 mins from PCI

Stroke - FAST +ve, in window and >45 mins from centre

Asthma - acute severe and not responding to treatment and >45 mins, any life-threatening

Seizure - not responding to treatment and >45 mins to hospital

Chest pain - limited access and land based resource >19 mins away

Question 3

What is the overdue procedure?

Answer 3

• Dispatcher follows the flight until informed on the ground
• If 10 mins and no contact then implement overdue procedure

Question 4

What are the cloud base/vis restrictions on HEMS operations?

Answer 4

Day:
500ft and above - 1000m
499-400ft - 1500m
399-300ft 3000m

Night:
1200ft - 3000m

Question 5

What are the immediate dispatch criteria?

Answer 5

Incidents:
- RTC - ejected, fatality, person vs lorry/bus, trapped under vehicle
- Hit by train
- Plane/train/coach crash
- MAJAX
Mechanisms:
- Fall from height >10 ft
- Amputation above ankle/wrist
- Penetrating injury to chest/head/neck
Arrests:
- Arrest in remote area
- Paeds arrest