Flight Criteria
The following criteria are guidelines recommended by Mosby's Critical Care Transport text book. Please keep in mind that these are only recommendations and the need for flight is ultimately based on patient presentation and medical staff interpretation. Presentation and interpretation outweigh these guidelines.
Prolonged transport with potential negative impact on patient condition Use of local ground transport would leave area without adequate EMS coverage RTS < 12, GCS < 10 Multisystem Trauma Trauma in ages <12, >55 years of age Penetrating/crush injury to abdomen, pelvis, chest, neck, or head Sudden onset of stroke symptoms Acute MI patients Other Acute Coronary Sydromes with time critical presentation Burns >20% or involving face, head, hands, feet, genitalia, or airway.** Partial or total amputaion of limb. Digit amputation with need of emergent surgical intervention for replantation Pedestrian or cyclist struck by motor vehicle Falls from significant height Ejection from vehicle or prolonged extrication from vehicle ** In most case Regional One can transport burn patients from scene straight to burn center by bypassing local emergency rooms.