ideal ER lengths of stay?

[Sara Campbell]

That is an interesting question -- and while I agree, as short as 
possible -- not all ER's have that direct hall to the ICU or OR, and we will 
see those same type of patients, due to the nature of the work, just not as 
often.  We would have to stabilize for transport and would shoot for a 30 
min window (which is about the flight time for the closest helicopter) to 
get all those tubes in, get as many of the diagnostics as possible and 
package them all with the patient.  Or if we were really lucky the EMS and 
flight crew would meet at the helipad.  Just a different view from the SE 
corner of NM.  I would be interested in hearing other thoughts.

Sara