Research on the maritime helicopter medical system

Abstract

Objective To research and develop the ambulance helicopter medical system, optimize the functions of plane-based medical system, so as to fulfill the tasks of casualty receipt and evacuation, vital sign monitoring and urgent medical service onboard the plane. Methods The ergonomics optimization theory was applied to design the plane-based medical rescue system, which could load several ambulatory patients or litter patients. In accordance with the requirements of aviation equipments and the methods of auto case-control study, following tests were performed on the medical system: combined adaptation test, system environmental test, system performance test and flight environmental adaptation test of the medical system both on the ground and in the air. Results The functions of the ambulance helicopter were considerably perfect, the design was ideal, all conforming to medical service requirements. As it turned out, the technical design of the system was advanced, the performance of the onboard system was fine and the operation of the system was simple and easy. The performance of the developed or selected medical system was stable and reliable, without interference to one another between the medical system and the helicopter, or between the medical system and the sub-systems, which could satisfy the requirements of onboard installation. Conclusions The medical system of the ambulance helicopter conformed to the designed operational capability and satisfied the requirements of assigned medical service. The practical application of the ambulance helicopter could enhance air medical service and improve the capability of medical evacuation and treatment of casualties at sea. Key words: Ambulance helicopter; Air-borne medical service; Medical system