Understanding the Role of HEMS in Emergency Care and Working to Reduce Accidents, Costs, and Transport Time
Understanding the Role of HEMS in Emergency Care and Working to Reduce Accidents, Costs, and Transport Time Project Number: MQF IQP 2814 An Interactive Qualifying Project submitted to the Faculty of the WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the By ______________ _____________ ______________ Aaron Durkee Sydney Padula Jeffrey Paquette Submission Date – March 29, 2012 Professor M. S. Fofana, Advisor Mechanical Engineering Department Abstract This paper comprises of three overarching objectives: to understand the helicopter emergency medical system (HEMS), to identify problems related to their use and operation, and to propose solutions to these identified problems. The areas of research consist of HEMS standards, monetary allocation associated with the HEMS program, landing areas and dispatch times, and factors that contribute to fatal and nonfatal helicopter crashes. The identified problems associated with helicopter costs are related to the high cost of obtaining and operating a helicopter under the EMS function, which is restrictive to both the program’s use and expansion. Proposed solutions to the expenses include itemized cost-saving opportunities as well as potential future technologies that the program would benefit from adapting. Problems associated with helicopter landing zones and transport times are a lack of safe, documented landing points and inefficiencies regarding helicopter dispatch. Proposed solutions include a portable landing zone kit for deployment at the accident site to allow for safe landing and takeoff by the helicopter. Lastly, the problems associated with helicopter safety and crashes include human error, mechanical malfunction, and environmental effects. Solutions include providing additional weather information and isolating the piloting area from the medical compartment and creating codes similar to the ground ambulance crews to isolate the pilot’s interaction with the stresses induced by trauma treatment.
[Show full text]