When coordinating with air medical services, what information should you provide?

• A. Call the aircraft directly and request landing clearance.
• B. Contact dispatch, provide patient and scene information, and secure the landing area.
• C. Wait for a nurse to call.
• D. Inform the hospital after landing.

Answer: (B)

Coordinating with air medical services hinges on initiating contact through the right channel and sharing complete scene and patient information so the flight crew can plan and land safely. Start by reaching dispatch to relay what’s happening on scene, including the number of patients, their ages and approximate conditions, vital signs if available, suspected injuries, and any special equipment needs. Share scene details such as access routes, hazards, weather, and the location of power lines or other obstacles, plus the estimated time to scene stabilization and transport. This information lets the flight team decide the appropriate resources, route, and timing, and it enables coordinated airspace and ground support.

Securing the landing area is essential to safety and speed. Designate a clear, well-identified landing zone, keep bystanders and vehicles away, and have ground personnel in high-visibility gear guiding the aircraft. Confirm with dispatch that the landing zone is free of obstructions and that ground crew can maintain a clear path for rotor wash and emergency egress. This coordinated approach helps ensure the patient can be moved quickly and safely from the scene to definitive care.

Calling the aircraft directly bypasses established procedures and airspace coordination, which can create safety risks and delays. Waiting for a nurse to call delays important information sharing, and informing the hospital only after landing misses the opportunity to prep staff and beds for immediate care.