Evaluation of responses of an air medical helicopter program during a comprehensive emergency response drill

IntroductionParticipation of air medical service programs in emergency response drills can reveal important information regarding preparedness. This article reviews one program's participation in a drill, the evaluation methods used to assess the program's response, and the findings of the drill evaluation.MethodsA comprehensive evaluation method was developed and completed for the drill. The responses that would be required by LIFE STAR Communications, the entity charged with communication and coordination of LIFE STAR, Hartford Hospital's air medical helicopter program, were evaluated.ResultsDeficiencies revealed during the drill included requests from emergency responders that were not covered by current policies.ConclusionsThe evaluation of LIFE STAR Communications during a drill revealed specific problems that would have gone unrecognized without participation in the emergency preparedness exercise. Air medical services should participate and be evaluated in drills to enhance preparedness through the clarification of responsibilities and the practice of protocol and policy directives.