Criteria for Prehospital Air Medical Transport: Non-trauma and Pediatric Considerations

Abstract

The proliferation of air medical transport in the 1980s and 1990s has been accompanied by minimal investigation into the appropriateness of transport. A strong foundation has been developed regarding adult trauma. However, important issues in pediatric and general medical patients have not been addressed. The health care crisis in America mandates air medical transport systems to provide appropriate access to medical technology and resources in a cost-effective manner while maintaining quality of care. We must identify the patients whose outcomes will benefit from air medical transport.