trauma-list Digest, Vol 61, Issue 4

[Stephen Richey]

>
> How many times have you seen a billboard or TV advertisement featuring the
> helicopter?
>

The one that comes to mind for here in Michigan is the "Hail to the
conquering heroes one" for the U of M Medical System.  They have a shot of a
helicopter (I think it's called Survival Flight or something equally overly
enthusiastic) crew member during a "flight".  Personally, I think they
should be required to counterbalance that with a shot of the roof of
Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids on fire after the AeroMed crash.

I was called yesterday by a magazine reporter out in Arizona who learned of
my research while doing background review for an article about this
subject.  They were wondering what my take on the series of crashes were,
from the perspective of some who researches crew and passenger survival.  I
told her that effectively many of these operations are quite frankly playing
Russian roulette with the lives of their crews for little benefit to
patients in most areas.  The reporter seemed quite shocked that I would use
such a "harsh" analogy.  That response was a perfect example of how clueless
persons outside of the medical field are regarding the risks.

Sincerely,

------------
Stephen L. Richey, CRT
Aviation Injury Research Project Leader
Saginaw Valley State University
Phone: 248-366-4452