THE UNITED-STATES-AIR-FORCE CRASH AMBULANCE - ORIGINS, CURRENT USE, AND SUGGESTED FUTURE-DIRECTIONS

The United States Air Force (USAF) maintains a crash ambulance, staffe d by flight surgeons and aeromedical technicians, which is separate fr om the ambulance service maintained and staffed by base hospital or cl inic personnel. A survey was performed to assess the current use and s taffing of this ambulance. Results showed low use, and difficulties in training and maintaining experienced crews. A single integrated ambul ance system is proposed to replace the current separate systems. Such a system could improve overall response capability, and more efficient ly and effectively use available resources.