Helicopter ambulances : an evaluation of their operational and economic feasibility.

Several U.S. experimental programmes, the aim of which is to study the feasibility of transporting accident victims by helicopter are reviewed. The major components of an airborne evacuation system are: (1) rapid airlift to and from the accident scene and transfer to hospital; (2) trained medical personnel for administering on site and in flight medical treatment; and (3) good communications between highway police forces, the helicopter and medical facilities.