Harks back to the days where the aircrew shouldn't ever be aware of the condition of the patient.
This procedure is prevalent in a few operations I am aware of.
The condition of the patient should never influence the crews decision making process.
It is surely the only reason for HEMS cock ups?
Pilots and operator management personnel should not make flight decisions based on the condition of the patient, but rather upon the safety of the flight.
WRT to the 139 accident - I was based in Trento for a time and unless things have changed this operation can only be described as exceptional.
The general consensus in the area is that they are taxed with rescuing "idiots" that shouldn't have been there in the first place proving you cannot legislate for stupidity.