WhirlyGig:
In much of the US, local EMS will arrive on scene relatively quickly -- they are coming from the local fire station. But it may be a long drive to the closest hospital with a trauma center (most hospitals don't have a trauma center). Most patients don't need a trauma center. But for those that do, the helicopter can be a life saver by getting the patient to the trauma center in tens of minutes, rather than 1 hour+.
<ugh, my spelling is awful>
Last edited by OFBSLF; 9th April 2004 at 20:19.