Aeromedical Transportation of the Critically Ill Cardiac Patient: Pre-flight Planning and Preparation

Abstract

The aeromedical transportation (AMT) of patients had evolved from evacuation of injured combatants in wartime conflicts to peacetime movement of the critically ill patients. From short range hops to transcontinental transfers, the operational and logistical support to enable such AMTs have also evolved and advanced in tandem, making it now possible to shift intensive care unit level patients across long distances over a relatively short span of time. AMT is a complex undertaking necessitating close coordination and planning, layered upon dynamic aeromedical decision making processes. This paper aims to capture the essence of AMT mission planning and pre-flight preparations, to provide a holistic overview of the key considerations for aeromedevac of critically ill cardiac patients aboard commercial AMT flights.