Author Description

These Guidelines set forth a template for the initial training of advanced life support (ALS) level air medical crew members to extend their knowledge and skills beyond existing EMT-P, RN, and respiratory care training curricula. This publication covers the knowledge and competencies required for air medical programs to provide appropriate patient care at altitude and in the transport environment. It includes information, bibliographies, and suggestions for skills development in the following broad areas: background and history of air medical transport; safety considerations; community, public relations, cultural competency, and legal issues; patient assessment and packaging; the physiology of transport in the air medical environment; assessment and care of patients with a wide range of diseases and traumatic injuries; and, knowledge and competencies required by air medical programs that transport specialized and high-risk patient groups.