SA RED CROSS AIR MERCY SERVICES CHANGING LIVES! SAVING LIVES!

*	Airway, breathing or circulation compromise.
*	Any patient who requires special resuscitation not available locally and which is available through our service.
*	An unconscious patient with a GCS of 11 or less.
*	Has a suspected spinal injury.
*	Amputation / threatened limb injuries.
*	Burns 2°/ 3° (25% - 80%), facial, chest, airway or circumferential.
*	MVA with red codes or multiple casualties, confirmed polytrauma, entrapments.
*	Cardiac and/or respiratory failure or arrest.
*	Severe convulsions.
*	Anaphylactic shock.
*	Near drowning / diving incident.
*	Advanced Life Support or medical rescue is required and ground response is > 20 minutes.
*	Multiple red codes: assaults, poisonings, industrial accidents, etc.
*	Confirmed obstetrical emergencies: prolapsed cord, obstructed labour, etc.
*	Search and rescue.
*	Long distance transfer of patients.
*	The duty doctor on call will be responsible for the final dispatch decision on medical grounds.
*	All of the above criteria are not considered in isolation, but the full clinical picture is assessed by the helicopter crew, and dispatch will occur at their discretion.
*	If you have any doubt regarding the interpretation of the above, please call us.

HOW TO ACTIVATE THE AERO-MEDICAL SERVICES:

*	An early decision and request is ideal.
*	Quickly assess the condition of your patient.
*	Assess the time it would take to transport them by road.
*	If you feel that an aircraft is required or you are not sure then: Contact the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service on 0861 267 267

Please provide the following details to the dispatcher:

*	Your name and contact number.
*	Details of the patient’s condition, major injuries and vital signs.
*	Confirmation of patient’s medical cover, where applicable. Any medical cover found, even after your initial call should be phoned through as soon as possible.
*	Details of patient’s location, e.g. Ward, Hospital, GPS co-ordinates – if possible, landmarks, dangers around the helicopter loading zone when applicable, etc.
*	Our aim is to be airborne within 5 minutes of call-out.

AIR AMBULANCE PREPARATION“PATIENT PACKAGING” FOR AERO-MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION

A	Airway:	Patent; C-Spine immobilization; Intercostal Drain for suspected Haemo-/ Pneumo-Thorax; Naso-gastric tube; C-Spine and Chest X-ray where possible.
B	Oxygenation:	40% Oxygen Facemask / Ventilated – “Resusbag “ with reservoir.
C	Circulation:	Haemorrhage control; Urine catheter.
D	Drips:	At least one large bore and patent.
D	Drugs:	Have Special drugs been administered or are they Required.
D	Dressings:	All wounds to be dressed with clean dressings where possible.
E	Evacuation:	Call as early as possible; Furnish as much information regarding patient Diagnosis & Condition; Inter-Facility Transfer and Medical cover information where applicable; Passengers accompanying patients will only be accommodated with prior arrangement.
F	Fractures:	Splint all – ‘Backslab’ / Kramer Wire splint; Bi-valve POP casts.

PRIMARY (SCENE) CALL INFORMATION

1.	Park the police, fire or ambulance vehicle directly under any power lines or cables that may cross the roadway near the landing zone.
2.	Stand with your back to the wind 10 metres from where you want the helicopter to land.
3.	Secure the landing zone (approx. 30 m X 30 m) against all loose or light debris.
4.	Allow no persons but dedicated rescue personnel within 50 metres of the helicopter.
5.	Ensure the landing zone is as level as possible. If not, DO NOT approach the helicopter from the uphill side. Communicate with the helicopter via radio if possible. Do not approach the helicopter unless the flight crew requests you to do so.
6.	Do not activate smoke grenade in centre or upwind of loading zone.
7.	Control the crowd and bystanders.

SAFETY RULES AROUND THE HELICOPTER

1.	Always wait for the pilot's signal before approaching the aircraft.
2.	Approach/depart the helicopter from the Green Area ONLY.
3.	Keep low and walk to and from the helicopter - NEVER RUN.
4.	At the helicopter, LISTEN for and obey the crewmembers' instructions.
5.	All loose items on the stretcher must be SECURED. Carry all long items HORIZONTALLY only.
6.	NEVER approach / depart or step in the Red Area.
7.	HATS/CAPS and HELMETS should be strapped onto your head or not worn at all.
8.	Do not bring vehicles within 30 metres of the helicopter.
9.	DO NOT SMOKE around the helicopter.