A Survey of the Operational Environment and Regulations of Hospital Owned Helipads at Level I Trauma Centers

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) estimates that 400,000 patients per year are transported by rotor wing aircraft. Despite the frequent utilization of air medical transport, little is known about the operational environment and regulations of hospital owned helipads. We sought to understand the environment and regulations of hospital helipads, hypothesizing that the majority of these facilities have strict rules regarding who may use their facilities and how aircraft approach and depart. <h3>Methods</h3> We developed a 23-item survey to explore the operational environment and regulations surrounding the use of helipads at level I trauma centers in the United States. Flight crew members and administration, as well as hospital administrators, were invited to complete a multiple choice and free text survey hosted by a secure online data collection tool. The survey was publicized through relevant professional organizations, social media, and individual invitation. Descriptive statistics were calculated. <h3>Results</h3> We received 138 responses and analyzed survey data for 87 adult and pediatric level I trauma centers representing 34 states after excluding surveys that did not name a specific center, level II trauma centers, and duplicates for a facility already enrolled. The mean (SD) number of helipads controlled by a center is 2 (1) with the majority (84%) being rooftop helipads. 17/87 (20%) of facilities require a formal agreement with a transport program prior to use of their helipad. Of that group, 8/17 (47%) indicate pre-specified consequences for violation of the agreement and 7/8 (88%) of those consequences include loss of landing privileges. A minority of facilities (9%) require CAMTS accreditation as a prerequisite for helipad use, and the most common restrictions in place are specific approach paths (67%), specific departure paths (64%) and aircraft type and weight restrictions (64%). 74/87 (85%) of facilities require 10-15 minute notification prior to arrival, while only 13/87 (15%) require notification prior to departure. <h3>Conclusion</h3> There is significant variation in the operational environment and regulations surrounding the use of hospital owned helipads at level I trauma centers, with a minority requiring formal agreement for use of the helipad or specifying repercussions for violation of the agreement.