SUBJECT : Helipad Expectations for Visiting HEMS
Providers
POLICY NUMBER: 2.12
POLICY DATE: 12-15-2005
PAGE: 1 of 1 ANNUAL REVIEW DATE: 10-01-2006

PURPOSE: To define expectations of procedures for visiting helicopter EMS programs when arriving at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Helipad or Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Helipad.

POLICY: Whenever possible, at least one Vanderbilt team member will meet visiting aircraft to
provide assistance with the unloading and assessment of patients from aircraft.

If the transporting team requests medical assistance from a Vanderbilt team member or a Vanderbilt
team member identifies specific interventions that the patient requires, that Vanderbilt team member
will assume primary responsibility for the patient’s care. The Vanderbilt medical team member will
receive report from the transporting service. Although the Vanderbilt team member has assumed
primary responsibility for patient care, the transporting service will accompany the patient to the
receiving area and give a full beside report whenever possible.

There will be a transport stretcher with an oxygen cylinder with adequate oxygen for patient transport
available to transporting services. Under these stretchers, there will be basic resuscitative equipment
consisting of a self-inflating resuscitation bag, mask, and suction device (either mechanical or
electrical).

If transporting services feel additional assistance is needed, they can specifically request the need for
airway assistance, lifting assistance, etc. by Vanderbilt personnel.

Vanderbilt LifeFlight
Policies & Procedures