A more cost-effective use of medical air evacuation personnel

Air transport of severely traumatized patients has evolved from novel pilot programs into integral services provided by tertiary care health centers. Medical air evacuation (MedEvac) effectiveness is mainly due to the rapid transport of critically injured (90% blunt trauma) patients to the hospital by highly trained medical personnel. A recent self-study of a University-based MedEvac crew showed that 67 per cent of their on-duty time was "available." Only 33 per cent of duty time was flying or related patient care. In this era of cost containment, the optimal use of materials and services must be reassessed. The most cost-effective use of the crew may require expanding the role of the MedEvac to include Emergency Department responsibilities as part of the job description. This represents change and stressful group dynamics. However, by coordinating the Emergency Department and MedEvac schedules, the hospital is able to make more efficient use of resources. No flight was delayed by this work proposal.