FAQ for EHS LifeFlight
- Why do we need air medical transport in Nova Scotia?
- Why aren't these patients just transported to hospital by ambulance?
- Why do you use a helicopter as the primary response vehicle?
- Where does the helicopter land during scene missions?
- What happens in bad weather?
- Is there a fee for EHS LifeFlight?
Why do we need air medical transport in Nova Scotia?
The medical community recognizes air medical transport as a vital component of delivering quality emergency medical care. EHS LifeFlight supports communities with critical care for ill and injured patients, usually requiring treatment from specialists located at the QEII, IWK or regional hospitals.
Why aren't these patients just transported to hospital by ambulance?
Air medical transport brings the specialty team directly to the patient, dramatically increasing the speed at which the patient begins receiving critical care. Additionally, air medical transport supports both hospital and ground ambulance paramedic teams which helps to keep these valuable resources in Nova Scotia communities.
Why do you use a helicopter as the primary response vehicle?
The EHS LifeFlight helicopter is not restricted to landing at airport runways, can land at hospital and community helipads and sometimes at the scene of an emergency. This flexibility enables a fast response with close access to communities and reduces patient out-of-hospital time.
Where does the helicopter land during scene missions?
Support and emergency personnel throughout Nova Scotia have been trained to assist in landing the EHS LifeFlight helicopter at or near the scene of an emergency. Once on-scene emergency services have determined the need for air medical transport, EHS LifeFlight will respond directly to the scene or nearby helipad.
What happens in bad weather?
Severe and changing weather does affect flight safety. Therefore, EHS LifeFlight pilots always make the final decision to fly a mission based on safety. Other options for transporting the air medical crew to patients include using the non-dedicated back-up fixed wing airplane or ground ambulance.
Is there a fee for EHS LifeFlight?
There is no service fee for Nova Scotia patients, sending hospitals or agencies using EHS LifeFlight as a critical care transport service. A service fee will be charged to non- Nova Scotian and non-Canadian residents. Other provinces that contract this service may charge a fee to their residents.