Fast Finder:
Life Flight
How to Prepare a Patient for Transport

When your patient needs to be transported by critical care air medical transport, call the Saint Alphonsus Medical Access Center Center at (877) 367-8855 and follow these guidelines to prepare your patient for transport.

Checklist to Prepare a Patient for Transport
  • ABCs
    • Airway/cervical spine precaution
    • Breathing, liberal use of endotracheal tube if:
      • Glasgow Coma Scale < 9
      • Unable to protect airway
  • Cardiac Monitor
  • C-Spine Immobilization
    • Backboard or scoop stretcher, stiff C-collar, towel rolls, tape
    • Consider KED or similar device
    • Restrain all four extremities, body straps
  • IVs
    • Trauma-large bore x2 (14/16 gauge)
    • Medical/cardiac-two sites preferred
    • Number and total all IV fluids and output
  • MAST/External Pelvic Compression Device
    • To stabilize pelvic fractures
  • NG Tube (OG if facial trauma)
    • On all patients with decreased LOC
    • Consider on nauseated patients
    • Caution for patients who have or might receive thrombolytic therapy
  • Foley Catheter
    • On all multiple trauma
    • On all patients in potential shock
  • Remove all clothing on trauma patients
    • Keep warm
  • Chest X-ray
    • Chest tube as indicated
  • Copies of all records, labs and x-rays
  • Be prepared to give the following information:
    • Name of requesting facility and physician
    • Patient name, age, sex and weight
    • Type and extent of injuries or illness and overview of treatment
    • Callback number and contact person
    • Local weather conditions
    • Receiving hospital/unit and physician
  • Upon arrival at the scene, the flight crew will do the following:
    • Take history and do a brief physical assessment
    • Ascertain that the airway is adequately controlled for transport and continue oxygen therapy or ventilatory support
    • Initiate cardiac, blood pressure, oxygen saturation monitoring
    • Pressure bag will be put on all intravenous fluid bags, and infusion pumps will be used as needed
    • Patient will be transferred to a stretcher and securely strapped in place
    • Secure copies of patient's chart and other pertinent data (family contact number)
    • Patient will be moved to the aircraft and secured

Landing Zone
When identifying and preparing a landing zone, keep the following information in mind:

  • Locate a reasonably flat area (minimum 60 feet by 60 feet) and within 10 degrees of level.
  • During the nighttime and in high winds, select an area 100 feet by 100 feet.
  • Choose an area clear of people, vehicles and obstructions such as trees, poles and overhead wires. The area must be free of stumps, brush, posts, large rocks or anything over 18 inches high.
  • Consider the wind direction (helicopters land and take off into the wind) and choose an approach free of obstructions. Any obstruction should be relayed to the helicopter crew upon initial radio contact.
  • Remove or secure any loose items in and around the landing zone, such as trash, blankets, hats or equipment. If landing Life Flight near an ambulance, have the doors closed to protect the occupants.
  • Wet down the landing site if dusty conditions are present.
  • If possible, locate the landing zone to the downwind side of the scene. This reduces the noise and dust, and allows Life Flight to land closer to the scene.

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