Air Medical Transport Services: A Marriage of Aviation and Medicine

Volume 1, Number 2

“…7 Between 1980 and 1985, 41 occupational EMS helicopter deaths were reported, accounting for 11% of all helicopter occupational fatalities. 8 Previous studies of EMS helicopter safety have documented a decreased number of mishaps with increasing number of flights the program makes as well as the ability of pilots to fly "on instruments."…”

“…7,13 However, no official recommendations exist which detail the need for decontamination of patients prior to air transport. As seen here, helicopters represent tightly closed spaces and environmental conditions may lead to further poisoning of the occupants while in flight.…”