Hello All!
If a family member asks to go along, we try to accommodate the request. I especially don't mind if it is a pediatric transport. We cover long distances and separating a child from a parent may mean many hours before a parent can rejoin the child at the receiving hospital. We are lucky to have the space (and power) in our rotorcraft (B2 and B3 A-Stars). Taking family members is dependent first on the pilot determining it can be done from the aviation standpoint, and then the medical crew sizes up the situation. If the parent/relative seems like they have their act together, then fine. I have turned down requests to ride along when the potential rider has been hysterical or extremely emotional, or if the condition of the patient is such that my partner and I will be extremely busy during the transport. That said, I have no problem taking family members with critically ill patients under most circumstances. Good communication with the family member is crucial. There have been times when I have told them the patient may die enroute. I also try to describe what we will or may be doing to the patient.
I believe family members understand what we have to do, and so far I have not had any problem enroute. We do not put them on the intercom system, but we do provide hearing protection. I do try to keep the family member updated periodically throughout the transport.
