Re: Response times and safety

["Larry Pluhar" <lpluhar@airangels.com>]

At our program, we regularly track response "chute" times and bedside times,
however, there is no written policy regarding either. Safety is the overall
driving factor. As BKJRN stated in his email response times generally get
down to about 5 minutes or so as the pilot and team get comfortable with
each other and their procedures.

We do not differentiate between scene or inter-facility transports. Our
dispatch, startup and liftoff procedures are the same for each.

I have been aware that some programs put quite a bit of emphasis on
launching as quickly as possible and pilots have been put under pressure to
perform. In fact, there are programs. very few I believe, that actually
drill the flight team to reduce response times. I also believe this is a
byproduct of intense, local competition. This can definitely compromise
safety.

Nothing wrong with rapid responses, so long as it does not become the
ultimate measure of performance over quality patient care.

Hope this helps.

Larry Pluhar
Air Angels
Director of Operations
----- Original Message -----
From: "Snow, Mona G" <MGS2B@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu>
To: <flightmed@flightweb.com>
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2002 10:09 AM
Subject: Response times and safety


> It is my understanding that "they", whomever they might be, are looking at
> response times for helos in regards to safety issues. I have heard that
> having response times to adhere to is causing safety concerns. I couldn't
> find any research on this and was wondering if anyone had any information.
> Also, do the other programs have policies on response times (both scene
and
> interfacility) that they are willing to share. Anyone's thoughts/opinions
> are welcome.
> Thanks you,
> M. Snow
> Pegasus Flight Operations
>
> _______________________________________________
> Flightmed mailing list
>


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