Module Two

Question 1

When and where were aircraft first used to transport the injured?

Answer 1

Fixed wing - by the French in WW1
Rotary wing - WW2 in SEA. Improved O2 delivery systems developed.

Question 2

In what war did helis routinely perform frontline AME?

Answer 2

Korean War.

Question 3

In what war were the use of helis greatly expanded beyond being a simple transport mechanism?

Answer 3

Vietnam War. Patients moved inside heli and some treatment provided en route from hot zone - dust-off landings. Advances - manned by military medics.

Question 4

What AME developments occurred during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Answer 4

Implementation of EMERT (extended medical response team) and CCATT (critical care aeromedical transport team).

Question 5

When did helis start being used in civilian practice?

Answer 5

In Europe in late 1960s, and USA in 1972.

Question 6

What is the origin of AME in Australia?

Answer 6

Royal Flying Doctor Service. Longest running AME service in the world.

Question 7

When did the first flight evacuation occur?

Answer 7

1870 - Franco-Prussian war with hot air balloons during siege of Paris, not sure if the 100 people evacuated were injured. Otherwise, 1915 - Serbian soldiers and French pilot.

Question 8

In what year did the first controlled flight occur?

Answer 8

1903.

Question 9

How are AME companies funded in Aus? (5)

Answer 9

Government, community/sponsored, hospital, insurance, fee for service.

Question 10

What have been the main influences in the development of AME? (6)

Answer 10

Clinical gaps and specialisation (e.g. NICU, interventional radiology)
Geographic and demographic equity of access
Access to transport platforms, safety profiles, and knowledge of retrieval systems improving
Increasing technology
Education - incr clinical knowledge around aviation physiology and aeromedical transport
Insurance - private and travel

Question 11

When was the first AMR performed in Aus?

Answer 11

Rev. John Flynn with AIM was key driver. First unofficial RFDS flight - Aug 1927. Official - May 17th, 1928. Radio and comms dev were very influential.

Question 12

What might the future of AME look like?

Answer 12

USS as main imaging tool
Pt data sent to receiving facility in real time
CMAC video laryngoscopy
Unique internet network
App to show where cardiac arrest is
Bring AED by drone to arrest
Mechanical CPR robots
ECMO
Freeze-dried blood products
REBOA
Rapid cooling for cellular hibernation