We have all come to know the familiar sound of the helicopter overhead that is flying quickly from the scene of a tragic car crash to the nearest trauma center at a nearby hospital.
We may have even known someone who has needed to utilize such air ambulance service. Do you know the history behind these marvelous methods of medical transportation?
Think back nearly a century ago. During World War I, air ambulances were first introduced. Between 1914 and 1918, a variety of military organization tested the use of flying ambulances to treat patients. Over time, this beginning has spawned into the air ambulances of today.
What later became the Royal Doctor Flying Service started in the year 1928. This milestone event was the first air ambulance service ever to exist. This service began in the Australian Outback. This non-profit organization was intended to provide service to people living in the remote areas of the Outback.
The Royal Doctor Flying Service provided emergency medical care, as well as, primary care for individuals who found it difficult to reach general healthcare facilities or hospitals due to the distance.
In 1934, Marie Marvingt started an air ambulance services. This was the first civil air ambulance services in Africa. The air ambulance service was established in Morocco. Again, the remote areas and terrain played a role in the decision to begin this service in the specific location.
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Marie Marvingt used her pioneering spirit and record-breaking personality to help others when she began the air ambulance unit. She was the first woman to fly combat missions as a bomber pilot. She also was a qualified nurse.
Specializing in aviation medicine she was the perfect candidate to begin the air ambulance service in Morocco. In fact, she worked to establish air ambulance services worldwide.
It was in 1936 that a military air ambulance service assisted wounded. The injured were evacuated from the Spanish Civil War. The wounded received treatment in Nazi Germany.
The Saskatchewan government established the first civil air ambulance in North America in 1946. Regina, Canada was home to this landmark service. Still today the air ambulance service is in operation.
Only one year later in 1947, Schaefer Air Service began. This was the first air ambulance service in the U.S. Founded in Los Angeles, California by J. Walter Schaefer. The Schaefer air ambulance service also became the first to be FAA certified in the United States.
It wasn't until November 1 of 1970, that the first German Air ambulance helicopter began service at the hospital of Harlaching, Munich. This unit was called Christoph 1. As the idea spread over Germany, the air ambulance service continued to grow rapidly.
By 1975, Christoph 10 began service. Currently, around 80 helicopters are being used as air ambulances in Germany. Each unit is named after Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers.
Denver, Colorado was home to the first hospital-based air ambulance medical helicopter in the United States. In 1977, Flight for Life began. Soon, the helicopter air ambulances expanded to use other types of aircraft.
In 1977, Ontario, Canada a flight paramedic program began with a single rotor-wing aircraft. Today, this program has become the largest and most sophisticated air ambulance program in North America. The fleet is dispatched to over 17,000 missions annually.
Lee County, Florida began a public service air ambulance transport in 1978. They began using a Bell47 then progressed to a BO 105. Currently, they use a BO 105 and an EC-145.
Today, the air ambulance industry has grown and expanded to become worldwide. Aircraft vary from helicopters to jets. The medical advances and technology has also grown to include high-tech tools and equipment that can effectively monitor and prolong life during medical emergencies in the air.
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Air Ambulance Books from Amazon
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AIR AMBULANCE Sale Price: $71.55  |
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The island seemed to cast a spell over her...... Forced to land in an ice storm, the air ambulance came down on the tiny island of Heimra Beag. Because of injuries, both Alison Land, the flying nurse, and the pilot had to stay... |
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ASTNA Patient Transport: Principles and Practice, 4e (Air & Surface Patient Transport: Principles and Practice) List Price: Sale Price: $83.60 |
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Whether you're caring for patients on the ground or in the air, this trusted, one-of-a-kind resource is an essential tool for your success in transport nursing. The 4th edition has been extensively revised to keep you up to date with the latest technological advances and help you meet the ever-changing needs of this critical nursing field... |
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The P Plate Factor |
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Statistics show that a 17 year old driver with a P1 license is four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than a driver over 26 years. Driving at night, with friends, significantly increases the risk... |
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Air & Surface Patient Transport: Principles & Practice Sale Price: $234.61 |
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The official publication of the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association, this comprehensive and timely text is the standard reference for flight nurses and other health professionals involved in medical transportation... |
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Subject: Army Major Chance Rawlins, Helicopter Pilot.Current Status: Soon-to-be-deployed to Afghanistan. Mission: Report to Captain Jenna Larson for a sexy, one-night inspection.Obstacle: She's mistaken him for another man!Major Chance Rawlins has a bit of a reputation, both in and outside of the helicopter cockpit... |
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Air Ambulance: Industry Changes and Safety Concerns (Health Care Issues, Costs and Access) List Price: Sale Price: $130.57 |
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Changes in the air ambulance industry's size and structure have led to differences of opinion about the implications for air ambulance use, safety and services. Some industry stakeholders believe that greater state regulation would be good for consumers... |
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How to Land a Top-Paying Air ambulance captains Job: Your Complete Guide to Opportunities, Resumes and Cover Letters, Interviews, Salaries, Promotions, What to Expect From Recruiters and More List Price: Sale Price: $24.94 |
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For the first time, a book exists that compiles all the information candidates need to apply for their first Air ambulance captains job, or to apply for a better job. What you'll find especially helpful are the worksheets... |
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Flying Lessons, Ambulances, and other Air Force Vignettes List Price: Sale Price: $5.99 |
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This is a group of stories about medical personnel and patients of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. |
Posted by Irwan on November 13, 2009
