Med Flight, VCAD report working well together despite rumors

A slew of recent comments on the Nevada Daily Mail's Web site, www.nevadadailymail.com, filled with speculation and accusation regarding emergency medical service calls raised a host of questions relating to the interaction of ground and air ambulance services, and the Daily Mail sought out answers to those questions.

On April 18, the Vernon County Ambulance District responded to a call near Bronaugh, about a shooting.

Immediate medical assistance was needed. Here's where the questions begin. A commenter wondered why an air ambulance was used other than the one in Nevada, St. John's Med Flight.

James McKenzie, VCAD director, said the answer's simple. "We did what was best for the patient at the time. That's always how we make those decisions."

Every situation is different, and there are many decisions made at each incident.

A small group of responders at VCAD headquarters at the time of the interview explained.

When the call is received, they go; on the way, they're thinking about what they might encounter. They have an idea of what to expect, although sometimes what's relayed over the scanner may imply a different situation from what they find when they arrive on the scene.

Sometimes, the air ambulance is even alerted that they may be needed before the ground ambulance reaches the scene to minimize the time it takes to get help to the patient.

They make sure the scene is secure, assessing the safety of proceeding. They evaluate the patient's needs, including the type of care needed and the the urgency of care. By this time, those on the scene probably know whether an air ambulance is needed or desired.

Once they know an air ambulance is needed, they notify the dispatcher, who contacts an air ambulance that's close by.

All this takes place in a matter of moments.

Leland Splitter was on the scene and did just that. The dispatcher asked which one to call, and Splitter replied that Nevada would be fine.

Derek Coulter, Medical Base Supervisor for the Nevada air ambulance service, confirmed that they were called for an estimated time of arrival, which was 13 minutes; and were asked to stand by, then canceled. Vernon County Ambulance District staffers said Eagle Med, of Pittsburg, Kan., reported the shortest estimated time of arrival, so requests to other services were canceled.

"It was the fastest thing we could do. All of our families live here, We make the best decision we can in the best interest of the patient," without regard to political or any other consideration beyond the welfare of the patient, McKenzie said.

Coulter said that it's not uncommon; when more than one service might be close enough to help, the dispatcher will ask for an estimated time of arrival, then use the one that reports the shortest ETA.

Some commenters also have claimed that McKenzie had ordered personnel not to use the Med Flight helicopter based in Nevada; so, the Daily Mail asked McKenzie whether that had occurred.

"That's absolutely not true. No one has ever given that kind of order, and it'll never be given," McKenzie said.

Coulter said that he's aware of at least two calls in which Med Flight has responded at the request of VCAD; and that both incidents went "fine."

A recent meeting between representatives of the two entities last week went well, and no concerns were raised by either service at that time, and Coulter said he hopes for a good working relationship.

"It's not uncommon for us to go for months without a call from any one certain entity, because they just don't have the type of incident where they need us," Coulter noted.

McKenzie was vocal about concerns about Med Flight's moving in at the Nevada Municipal Airport but when it comes to a patient in need, those issues are "immaterial," and asserts that air ambulances -- including Med Flight -- will be called upon any time they're needed or desired by the patient. "That's all there is to it. We do what's in the patient's best interest," McKenzie said.