As Skycore Aviation continues its mission equipment series, MedEvac (Medical Evacuation) equipment is the focus of this article. Previous mission equipment articles spotlighted combat, utility/multi-purpose, search and rescue (SAR) and firefighting.
The time saved by transporting patients by helicopter (MedEvac) has a significant impact on patient survival rates. Quick transport of patients saves lives as evidenced by implementation of the U.S. Army’s “golden hour” (60 minute maximum) mandate. As a result of the mandate transport time decreased from 90 to 43 minutes in Afghanistan. With it, the fatality rate of wounded soldiers was nearly cut in half, from 14 to 8 percent.
In general, MedEvac missions transport:
- Soldiers in the field
- Patients between hospitals allowing access to appropriate levels of care
- Civilians evacuated from vehicle accidents or remote locations
The Association of Air Medical Services estimates that 400,000 rotor wing transports occur in the U.S. each year.
MedEvac Transport Patients
The overall objective of MedEvac transport is to locate, load and bring patients to a medical facility. To locate the patients, helicopters are equipped with forward-looking infrared imagers and night vision goggles for night operations. Internal or external hoists are also standard mission equipment. For more information on this equipment, see our SAR blog.
Hoists lower and raise rescue baskets and litters.
Hoists are also used to lower and raise rescue baskets that allow patients to be lifted into the helicopter when landing the aircraft isn’t possible. The basket below holds two adults and folds for compact storage in the aircraft. It’s self-righting with 100% reserve buoyancy and has a plastic mesh liner on the bottom.
Rescue baskets allow patients to be lifted into MedEvac helicopters.
In addition, MedEvac aircraft may depend on auxiliary fuel tanks to travel a longer distance to transport a patient. These fuel tanks were detailed in our Combat mission equipment blog.
Multi-Patient Stacking System (MPSS)
Integral to MedEvac helicopters is the Multi-Patient Stacking System (MPSS). Although MPSS differs by helicopter, all MPSS enable patient loading, care and transport as well as medical crew seating. These systems allow for ambulatory patients or litters and position medical crew for quick access to patients and medical equipment. The MPSS for Black Hawks have left and right-hand side Patient Handling Systems (PHS) installed together or independently for maximum mission flexibility. It accommodates up to four (4) patients utilizing a variety of litters and provides an integrated seating system for ambulatory transports. The litters slide in channels ensuring smooth, safe loading and lock for taxi-takeoff-landing.
The Multi-Patient Stacking System (MPSS) in the UH-60 Black Hawk has left and right-hand side Patient Handling Systems (PHS) installed together.
Medical Panels and Equipment Wall
MedEvac mission equipment also includes medical panels mounted in cabin next to the primary and secondary patient areas. These panels supply power, oxygen, air and suction, support IV equipment and house mounted or shelved monitors and equipment such as defibrillators, pumps and ventilators. In a UH-60, an equipment wall spans the width of the medical cabin providing easily accessible mount locations for such equipment along with quick-disconnect mounts. Mounted flashlights, suction cups, and oxygen bottles as well as storage bins/boxes and wall pouches are also located on equipment walls.
MedEvac mission equipment also includes medical cabinets mounted in the cabin near patient areas.
Medical panels can supply power and provide diagnostics to the medic crew.
MedEvac Systems
To reduce the incidence of hypothermia in patients, MedEvac aircraft have an Environmental Control System (ECS). The ECS heater heats the interior of the helicopter during flight. Additionally the Telemedicine System allows the medical crew to communicate with ground based health care providers to assist with patient care and prepare for patient arrival.
Disaster Recovery Kits
Based on the MedEvac mission, for instance SAR or accident evacuation, a helicopter will also carry a variety of disaster recovery equipment. These items can range from fire extinguishers, generators and battery-powered hydraulic cutters and spreaders to gas masks and gloves.
Skycore Aviation is an international helicopter personnel services and UH-60 Black Hawk provider (www.blackhawk360.com). Our knowledge and experience enable Skycore to provide personnel and turnkey solutions for helicopter programs tailored to meet our customer’s operations, maintenance and training needs. To stay atop of the rotary wing industry, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.