 |
Local News |
|
|
| Year in Review: After crash, medevac system under review |
|
| By Erica Kritt, Times Staff Writer |
Tuesday, December 30, 2008 |
|
|
State senators say they will propose legislation to change the management of Maryland’s medevac system when the General Assembly session begins again next month.
The demand for change came after four people were killed when a Maryland medevac helicopter, Trooper 2, crashed on Sept. 28 in Prince George’s County.
The helicopter had been dispatched to transport two women who were injured in a vehicle accident from Waldorf to Prince George’s Trauma Center.
Among the victims was 34-year-old Mickey Lippy, a state police flight paramedic who lived in Westminster. Lippy also volunteered with Gamber’s fire department.
Lippy was described as a dedicated family man and good person at a memorial service in Gamber that drew more than 1,000 people.
A college savings account for Lippy’s daughter, Madison, was set up in October. Contributions can be sent to Harford Financial Group, Attn: Mallory, 836 S. Main St. Suite, 105 Bel Air, MD 21015.
A preliminary report from an expert panel on medevac operations said that Maryland has more helicopters and flies more patients than comparable states or regions with medevac programs, according to the Associated Press.
The fleet had 12 helicopters before the crash on Sept. 28.
The panel, which was made up of state emergency medical officials, noted that there is an opportunity for reducing the state’s medevac transportation that wouldn’t compromise any patient’s medical condition.
|
The panel also recommended that Maryland meet national accreditation standards that require each helicopter to carry two medical providers on each flight, as compared to the one medical provider the state currently requires.
Sen. E.J. Pipkin, R-Cecil, and Sen. John Astle, D-Anne Arundel, said they will propose legislation that will split the current helicopter program into two fleets, one focusing on emergency medical services and the other on law enforcement, homeland security and search and rescue.
Reach staff writer Erica Kritt at 410-857-7876 or erica.kritt@carrollcountytimes.com.
|
Add Your Own Comment:
Please review the legal policies posted here before posting a comment. To report abuse click here.
|
|
|
| Online Poll |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
