DP 2.08 Air Ambulance Flashcards
Who operates the only approved air ambulance and who staffs it?
Mercy Air/ a nurse and paramedic.
Who operates the only approved Advanced Life Support (ALS) rescue helicopter in San Diego County and who staffs it?
SDFD/ minimum of one Fire Captain/Crew Chief (EMT) and one Firefighter/Paramedic.
Who decides which EMS/Rescue aircraft to send to a scene?
SDFD. The decision is made by the highest level medical authority at-scene based on what is medically in the best interest of the patient.
When may EMS/Rescue aircraft be called?
Serious medical emergencies, patients are located in areas inaccessible to ground ambulances or when there will be an inordinate delay by transporting via ground ambulance.
EMS/Rescue aircraft may be used for special circumstances, such as:
Integration with San Diego and Imperial County disaster plans, Standby response to Lindbergh Field for either actual or imminent air disasters, In Support of SWAT/PRT Missions (on standby during code 11’s)
How do you request/ communicate with EMS/Rescue aircraft?
requests are generally channeled through Communications to SDFD Fire Communications Center (FCC). However, if SDFD personnel
are on the scene, the requesting police unit should contact them directly. Once airborne,
EMS/Rescue aircraft will communicate on Mutual Aid 10.
Who may place EMS/Rescue aircraft on standby?
Any officer or communications. Te requests will be screened by a field Lt. or Sgt.
What is the benefit of placing EMS/Rescue aircraft on standby.
Response time is cut by approximately 5 mins.
What type of patients are not candidates for EMS/Rescue aircraft transport
Patients under the influence of PCP
May family members ride with the patient in EMS/Rescue aircraft.
Mercy Air-No.
SDFD ALS rescue helicopter- Yes, on a case-by-case basis.
Who must cancel an EMS/Rescue aircraft request.
The originating agency.
