After a couple discussions with 2 of my supervisors, I'm wondering what you guys' feelings are about using helicopters for trauma patients.
The argument presented was that helicopters are of relatively little value in the field. The reasoning is that in the time it takes to activate the helicopter (after you get on scene) and for them to arrive is about equal to the time it'd take to load and go with your patient. You would be at the hospital at about the same time the helicopter would arrive on scene. The problem is, the hospital they are referring to is not a trauma center. I've always figured the "golden hour" is from the time of the accident until they get to an OR, not an ER. The closest trauma center to us is (up until last week) is at least 1 hour away. Now, the closest trauma center is about a 30 minute drive.
Also, the "golden hour" has come into question. There is truly very little research to support the theory that after an hour, the mortality of trauma patients suddenly shoots up.
The other issue brought up is that a helicopter should not be called until a medical professional has assessed the scene and the patients involved. That means not dispatching a helo on dispatch information alone. The reasoning behind this is that there is a very high cost for the MedEvac companies just to power up their helo and put it in the sky.
My issue is that we're delivering patients to a facility that is relatively under-equipped to handle trauma patients. This is NOT a reflection of the doctors or other staff. It's just that we don't meet the criteria to be any type of trauma center! That means the patients needs to be "stabilized", the doctor needs to find an accepting facility and physician, then order the transfer to a trauma center. This wastes time, in my opinion. My other argument is that calling early for a helicopter based on reliable dispatch information would save time that we would otherwise wait for a helo. I understand the problem of cost, but I assume MedEvac companies allow a certain amount of their budget to be for these "false alarms", same as ground EMS.
I've seen Helos used effectively in urban AND rural environments. This county seems to an exception, where there are a few problems with flying patients.
My supervisors make a good point (and I have to respect what they have to say!) but I do feel strongly on this point, and I'm wondering if you guys have any input.
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