SAQ 243 – Retrieval – fixed-wing and rotary-wing retrieval

Question 5. fixed-wing and rotary-wing retrieval.

a. Low-altitude indications

• Skull fracture or penetrating head injury.
• Aerocele.
• Recent gastrointestinal sutures or bowel obstruction.
• Mediastinal emphysema.
• Untreated pneumothorax.
• Penetrating eye injury.
• Decompression illness.
• Severe anaemia.
• Acute coronary syndrome.

b. Fixed-wing problems

• Limited space, lighting, access, and ability to intervene.
• Equipment weight, storage, and securing requirements.
• Drip chambers and infusions may fail with turbulence or acceleration.
• Defibrillation may interfere with avionics and requires pilot coordination.
• Noise, vibration, turbulence, and motion sickness.
• Requires an airstrip and road transport at each end.
• Landing may be delayed by weather.

c. Rotary-wing problems

• Limited range and flying time.
• High noise levels and headset-dependent communication.
• Severe space and weight restrictions.
• Usually unpressurised.
• Weather and night-flying restrictions.
• Slower than fixed-wing aircraft.
• Expense.
• Rotor-clearance hazards.