The Future of Maryland Medevac in The Tentacle by Kevin E. Dayhoff October 10, 2008

The Future of Maryland Medevac in The Tentacle by Kevin E. Dayhoff October 10, 2008

The recent tragic crash of the Maryland State Police aviation command Medevac helicopter has unfortunately developed a subplot for those who wish to further a debate about the future of the vital air rescue service.

The debate began before grieving co-workers, friends, and family hardly had a chance to say goodbye to the three rescue workers and one patient who died.

Much can be said about the inhumanity of state elected leaders who would use such a tragedy for political expediency; however, for those who have observed Maryland politics for many decades, there is very little that can surprise any longer.

We live in a state with a national reputation for politicizing everything from algae to windmills – with all the accompanying mediocrity that is associated with the enormous egos of politicians who are rarely held accountable for their mendacious, meddlesome behavior.

Ever since Maryland modeled its Medevac rescue system from the lessons learned on the battlefields of the Vietnam War, it has been copied all over the world with varying success, although arguably, the Maryland system remains the premier service.

Since the Medevac rescue missions began in Maryland in 1970, 120,000 trauma patients have received the benefits of getting the best chance of survival in what is termed the “golden hour.”

[...]

Read my entire column here: The Future of Maryland Medevac in The Tentacle by Kevin E. Dayhoff October 10, 2008

20081010 The Future of Maryland Medevac in The Tentacle by Kevin E. Dayhoff