Helicopter Crew Course – a paramedic's perspective

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Background Air ambulance operations are becoming increasingly common in the UK, often using the doctor-paramedic model. Paramedics and doctors working as flight crew often look after seriously unwell or injured patients and may have to perform complex interventions, including emergency anaesthesia, in the pre-hospital environment. Scene assessment and safety, crew resource management, clinical interventions and on-scene decision making are key skills required by air ambulance crew members, and training is needed in these areas. This is often undertaken locally but there have been calls for specialist, regional training.