Environmental Factors
Transport medicine is greatly influenced by environmental conditions. In many cases, the acceptance or rejection of a transport is dependent on the weather. Weather conditions have their greatest effects on aircraft but also are important for ground transport vehicles.
Just as foggy weather and high winds make aircraft operations dangerous, icy roads and heavy rain or fog may make it imprudent to operate a ground ambulance. All teams should have clear guidelines delineating the minimal weather requirements for the vehicle(s) used, and these guidelines should be strictly followed. The rules may vary depending on the type of vehicle used and the local terrain. Aircraft may use visual flight rules (also called VFRs) or, if more sophisticated, IFRs that allow safe flight in less-than-ideal (but not all) weather conditions. For ground operations, travel advisories issued by state and local authorities should be considered before a decision is made to proceed with the transport. In addition, the CAMTS and the FAA offer guidelines for minimal safe weather conditions. In all situations, the final decision rests with the driver or pilot and should be made solely on the basis of prevailing weather conditions along the entire round trip route of travel. Neither patient severity or need, nor pressures such as productivity or competition, should influence the driver's or pilot's decision. Furthermore, administrative personnel and the medical director should support these decisions.
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