MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE USE OF HELICOPTERS IN MOUNTAIN RESCUE

Abstract

The article reflects the consensus of opinion of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine ICAR-MEDCOM, which has full responsibility for the content. The outcome of patient care can be dramatically improved by bringing rapid rescue-medical care to a mountain rescue scene and by rapid transport to a medical facility. The use of a helicopter for these purposes is common. It is necessary when there are clear advantages for victims in comparison with ground rescue and transport. Helicopters should work within the existing emergency medical system and must be staffed by appropriate mountain rescue and medically-trained personnel. Activation time should be as short as possible. Activation of a helicopter for a mountain rescue should primarily include indication, assessment of flight and safety conditions. No other mediators of delaying factors should be permitted. The main safety criteria are appropriate mountain rescue and flight training, competence of crew, radio communication between the air and ground crew, mission briefing before the rescue. Criteria for a helicopter used for mountain rescue are proper medical and rescue equipment, load capacity, adequate space etc. There are two main groups of indications for use of a helicopter for mountain rescue – according to the patient’s condition and the circumstances at the site of the accident. All persons responsible for the activation of a helicopter rescue operation should be aware of the specific problems in the mountains or wilderness.