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Mon Sep 28 12:22:08 BST 2009

",........what is lacking is the will to bring about these changes "
You are so right!!!  I have long resisted the concept of regulation, but as others have said, this industry is now all about the money, and it is getting people killed.

________________________________
From: trauma-list-bounces at trauma.org [mailto:trauma-list-bounces at trauma.org] On Behalf Of walkersteveandally at bigpond.com
Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2009 9:18 PM
To: trauma-list at trauma.org
Subject: Condolences and Concerns

Ken

With all due respect, the underlying problems with the US airmedical system are fairly clear and are accepted by many here. The solution is equally clear - a degree more regulation and adherence to higher operating standards. It is that simple. As you suggest, what is lacking is the will to bring about these changes.

Until such time as this will is found, you will continue to experience tragic "accidents" such as this.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing"

Condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the crew.

Steve Walker
Sydney
Australia

First, we again are saddened that three members of the US Health
infrastructure were killed last night in a helicopter crash, at night and going on a
mission during adverse weather conditions (alledgedly) which were not
ideal.. The mission might not have required a transfer at night, much less
one by an air ambulance. Our condolences are extended to friends and
family.

My friends on this web site. I continue to be saddened and puzzled as to
why this continuing loss of life has not been more throughly investigated
and reversed. Last year was one of the deadliest years ever in the air
ambulance industry. By my own crude and by far incomplete analysis, most
of these flights were under marginal flight conditions, for missions which
very often did not really require a transfer, or if transport to a higher
center was needed, it could have gone by ground transport means, or during
daylight or less adverse conditions.

I was sorely disappointed in the meager report earlier this year by the
NTSB regarding air ambulance safety. It could have and should have
addressed many items which are well known to members of this list server.

We have a duty to continue to ask the question as to what motivates air
ambulance transport. Certainly it is not time. Outcome advantage has not
been established. Transplant recovery is actually less with air
ambulance transport than ground. In many helicopter systems, as many as 75% of
the patients transported at great cost and risk, are dismissed within 24 of
the flight. We also continue to see un necessary flights in order to
compete for business in areas with far too many duplicate services.

Just who and what organization is going to blow the whistle on this
continuing and most often unnecessary loss of life and excessive expense? The
Trauma Community - They are silent. The industry itself - of course not.
The EMS community - Nope. Government - They had their chance and gave
a weak and one sided report. The courts - I am not aware as to what has
happened there.

k

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