Responsible "Helicopter Shopping" Through Selective Resource Management Joint ENA/ASTNA/IAFCCP Position Statement-Responsible "Helicopter Shopping" Through Selective Resource Management Joint ENA/ASTNA/IAFCCP Position Statement

Pdf Summary

The Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association, Emergency Nurses Association, and International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics have released a joint position statement addressing the issue of "helicopter shopping" in air ambulance transport. Helicopter shopping refers to the practice of sequential requests to multiple air ambulance providers in order to secure a flight that has been turned down by other agencies due to factors such as weather conditions. The statement emphasizes the need for selective resource management and better communication among all parties involved in patient transport.<br /><br />The growth of the air medical industry has led to an increase in the number of air ambulance providers, but this has also led to the problem of helicopter shopping. This practice can pose risks to flight teams and patients if communication breaks down and complete information about previous requests and turndowns is not shared. The statement advocates for proactive communication and the sharing of information regarding previous requests and turndowns to ensure informed decisions can be made.<br /><br />Weather conditions are a major factor affecting air ambulance flights, with inclement weather being a significant threat. Weather-related accidents account for a high number of incidents, and better communication and information sharing can help mitigate risks. Both pilots and HAA providers should inform requesting facilities about weather conditions that may affect safe flight.<br /><br />The joint statement stresses the importance of safety culture and crew resource management (CRM) principles in the decision-making process for air transport. It also highlights the role of hospital-based staff, EMS agencies, and communications centers in providing information about turndowns, weather conditions, and patient needs.<br /><br />Overall, the statement calls for a collaborative approach to ensure the safety of air medical transport. It highlights the need for ongoing education, improved communication, and selective resource management to reduce the pressure on transport teams to accept flights and increase patient safety.

Meta Tag

helicopter flight

helicopter transfer

helicopter critical

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Keywords

Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association

Emergency Nurses Association

International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics

joint position statement

helicopter shopping

air ambulance transport

selective resource management

better communication

weather conditions

patient transport