The principles of aeromedical retrieval of the critically ill

SummaryWith the development of highly sophisticated tertiary care facilities, the need to move critical care patients between hospitals is becoming an increasing common phenomenon. In many areas the distances involved in these transfers and the urgency of the cases has led to the use of aerial transport of retrieval teams and their patients.This article discusses the physiology of aeromedical transport and its effects on certain clinical conditions and the equipment used. The article also offers some practical advice on personnel, equipment and how to carry out a tasking in both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.