One of the companies, Air Methods Corporation, had another crash a month ago that
killed a pilot, doctor, and nurse. We need some regulation in the industry.
Couple of things from an air medical person.
Yes, there needs to be some heavy regulation. Since the new payment structure guaranteed from Medicare & other payers, you have and will see an increase in flight services. They got lucky and is getting reimbursements rates much higher proportion ratio than ground EMS. So yes, they are getting well compensated now...not like ground EMS.
With this (as well they have a hx.) of looking of more flights. One of the few things I disliked about avaition EMS that it was VERY competitive. It is a hidden secret but well known in the industry that pressure is placed on to get flights.. that is why there is such a marketing push from Air EMS. I was required to do at least 2-3 hours per day of PR .. I don't know how many pizzas, t-shirts, pins, ink pens I have dispensed.
Many states now have trauma reimbursement plans as well that will pay for the off-set cost or the difference in lost revenue for Air EMS, but NOT for ground. So an increase and urge to obtain more "scene flights" have increased.
Again all services acclaim to increase in safety and practice such procedures, in which I believe most do, or we would see more crashes and fatalities. Remember, there is no "small fender benders" in the air. So when such an occurrence does happen, there is horrible consequences that follows.
The company Air Method is one of the largest if not the largest contractor/provider of EMS helicopters. What most do not know is that majority of EMS Helicopters are
NOT owned locally, sure they may say XYZ Lifelight but are really owned and operated by Air Methods. Again they operate a large number of aircraft so in percentage wise their track record is much safer than most ground EMS units of having any mishap.
The usage of EMS helicopters has increased as well due to everyone being taught ... "notify for air transport to trauma center" ... When in reality, it has NEVER been proven that Air EMS has changed outcomes except in rare long distance or rural areas. We need to QUIT having that mindset. As well as QUIT teaching the
Golden Hour MYTH! There is
NO SUCH THING! Majority of the patients can be safely transported per ground units, as fast and safer than Air EMS.
We abuse the system. I admit it. Many times a lot of the patients are transported from urban areas that are not able or will decrease the number of ground units, so it is much easier to fly them. It is used many times for convienance, not necessity. As well the same for inner hospital transports. The time for a helo to respond, transport care over and then lift off, many local EMS could have been half way to destination.
It is
NOT that I am against Avaition EMS, far from it! I am for the skies to be safe, keep my fellow flight personnel alive and safe. Such tragic events are very hard to prevent in the line of duty with some of the type of missions performed, but at least study, and reduce and prevent further mishaps & tragedies from occurring.
R/r 911
