Emergency Medical Helicopters*

– Policy 119 authorizes the Incident Commander, in consultation with the most CA 93406 medically-qualified first responder, to determine that a requested medical helicopter is not needed and to cancel the request. Phone 805.543.2626 25,00 7082 Fax 805.546.0885 San Luis Ambulance agrees with finding number 3. 6W 5 ng

– In medical emergency calls at the Dunes, the Policy 119 procedure for cancelling an emergency medical helicopter requested by the Incident Commander is often reversed and the most medically-qualified first responder (usually the ground ambulance paramedic) on scene, in consultation with the Incident Commander (usually a State Parks Ranger), determines whether or not the requested emergency medical helicopter is needed. San Luis Ambulance partially agrees with finding number 6. Comments: It is true that the most medically-qualified first responder, typically the ground ambulance paramedic(s), in consultation with the Incident Commander, typically a State Parks Ranger, determines whether or not the requested emergency medical helicopter is needed. This is not so much a reversal of roles as it is collaboration between the most medically-qualified first responder and the Incident Commander. Because of this collaborative decision making process the patient receives the most prudent and best available transport mode for the given situation.

- The ground ambulance paramedics responding to medical emergencies at the Dunes do not make entries in their patient care records to confirm consultation with the Incident Commander or the determination by the Incident Commander that the emergency medical helicopter is not needed. San Luis Ambulance agrees with finding number 7.

– Policy 119 does not give paramedics or flight nurses any discretion to consult with an available and more medically-qualified authority and to obtain their authorization to deviate from Policy 119 based on the particular circumstances of a case. San Luis Ambulance agrees with finding number 12. Response to Grand Jury Recommendations San Luis Ambulance is required by the Grand Jury to respond to recommendations 3 and 7.