Air Medical Journal
Volume 26, Issue 3 , Pages 139-143, May 2007

Evaluation of responses of an air medical helicopter program during a comprehensive emergency response drill

  • Karyl J. Burns, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Traumatology and Emergency Medicine, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress for correspondence Karyl J. Burns, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102-5037
    • ,
  • Kenneth Robinson, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Traumatology and Emergency Medicine, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut
    • ,
  • Eric G. Lowe, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center

Abstract 

Introduction

Participation of air medical service programs in emergency response drills can reveal important information regarding preparedness. This article reviews one program's participation in a drill, the evaluation methods used to assess the program's response, and the findings of the drill evaluation.

Methods

A comprehensive evaluation method was developed and completed for the drill. The responses that would be required by LIFE STAR Communications, the entity charged with communication and coordination of LIFE STAR, Hartford Hospital's air medical helicopter program, were evaluated.

Results

Deficiencies revealed during the drill included requests from emergency responders that were not covered by current policies.

Conclusions

The evaluation of LIFE STAR Communications during a drill revealed specific problems that would have gone unrecognized without participation in the emergency preparedness exercise. Air medical services should participate and be evaluated in drills to enhance preparedness through the clarification of responsibilities and the practice of protocol and policy directives.

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 Work was completed at Hartford Hospital.

PII: S1067-991X(07)00019-3

doi:10.1016/j.amj.2006.08.009

Air Medical Journal
Volume 26, Issue 3 , Pages 139-143, May 2007

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