There is a bit of misunderstanding about what the HEMS helicopter is for and how it can be used to improve the level of service in a regional ambulance are.
HEMS in the Air Ambulance role can be used to improve the total level of service and not just the service given to the patient inside.
For instance, in Berwick there is one Paramedic vehicle. If a stable patient who requires paramedic supportneeds a transfer to Newcastle that vehicles takes over 5 hours to complete the job. 5 hours of depleted emergency cover in this remote are. The AA can do the transfer in 40 minutes, 20 of which it is empty and available for trauma.
In the HEMS role it is by definition a First Reaction vehicle. Now when an accident happens it is usually an upset panicking member of the public who calls 999. When the call comes through the Control has 2 choices, try to assess and decide what kind of response is required OR send the fastest vehicle to the scene. Whichever way you cut it the risks of a Control Officer or the added time to refer to a manager is simply not conducive to the principles and safety net that a fast response system demands. Therefore, in my opinion it is a mistake to treat the HEMS helicopter differently from any other fast reaction team. Rule 1, send the asset that will get there first. Of course on occasions it may seem that the helicopter arriving is overkill (probably not a good word) and ideally some ground assets will arrive early and let the HEMS know if the tasks warrants the risks of landing. Often the HEMS arrives first. Sometimes mistakes are made as the speed of the processs can defeat everyone's good intentions.
HEMS and AA. Is not an exact science and relies in no small part of the dedication and skill of not only the HEMS crew but the whole emergency services network.
I find it slightly depressing and a little bit "British" that on this occasion a Rotorhead expresses a poor opinion of what is a sound, robust and dedicated service provided by some of our fellow Rotorheads.
Well done to all our HEMS and AA crews.
DB