Helicopter in transit care of the critically ill - the Whangarei experience

Aims. To describe our experience in transit care of the critically ill in N orthland and to highlight the multidisciplinary co-operation which renders this an efficient model of transit care in suburban and rural areas. Methods, Since its inception in 1988, Northland's wholly community owned re scue helicopter has played an integral part in transit Intensive Care in No rthland. This aids in transportation of medical and nursing intensive care staff to outlying primary hospitals for patient stabilisation, subsequent t ransfer of the patient to the intensive care unit (ICU) in Whangarei and, o ccasionally, for transfer to specialised critical care services in Auckland . Results. As of August 1999, over 3900 helicopter missions have been accompl ished. A doctor, vetting each request for Medevac, minimises over-triage, t hus ensuring adequate levels of transit care and effective utilisation of e xpensive resources. More than 90% of non-obstetric adult patients were vent ilated and the number of Medevac missions increased over the years. The Acc ident Compensation Corporation (ACC) funds 40% of all flights, another 40% of flights are funded by Northland Health and the Order of St John funds th e remainder. Conclusions. With a widespread geography, efficient transit care of the cri tically ill is imperative to quality hospital care and ensures equity of ac cess to the rural populace. The Whangarei system of transit intensive care is an ideal template for suburban and rural areas.