Office of Aeromedical Director/ Aeromedical Operations
Aeromedical Operations provides the physician medical support necessary to the Maryland State Police Aviation Command 21 (MSPAC) to meet the emergency helicopter needs of Maryland’s citizens. Aeromedical Operations staff is actively involved in ongoing training and verification of skill proficiency for Maryland State Police flight paramedics, and provides aroundthe- clock consultation support to Systems Communications (SYSCOM) for medevac requests and medical direction. Aeromedical staff are actively involved in the development of new patient care protocols and the oversight of ongoing care.

Transport Systems of Care:
In FY 2023, The Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) transported 1,978 patients. Of these patients, 1,963 (99%) were transported from the scene at the request of local emergency services and 15 (1%) were transported between hospitals to a higher level of care. This year, MSPAC responded to 711 motor vehicle crashes, 496 falls, 94 pedestrians, 69 cardiac cases, 64 burns, 54 gunshot wounds, 46 strokes, 40 stabbings, 20 assaults, 14 industrial injuries, and seven drownings.

Helicopter Transports
In FY 2023, Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) used the AgustaWestland 139 (AW-139) model of aircraft as an excellent platform for its multiple missions. Equipped with the most current safety technology as recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board, the AW-139 aircraft are powerful enough to carry two patients and two EMS clinicians despite the challenging heat and humidity of the summer months. The acquisition of an FAA-certified Flight Training Device has allowed significant hours of pilot training to be conducted under simulated conditions, not only saving aircraft flight hours but also allowing the simulation of in-flight emergencies not able to be performed in an actual flying aircraft.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the helicopters have used sophisticated transport ventilators that flight medics incorporated into treatment. These technologies and training enhanced the quality of patient care of those suffering from trauma incurred during outdoor activities as they returned to prepandemic levels. The sophisticated transport ventilators enabled early initiation of lung-protective ventilation in conjunction with cutting-edge strategies to maintain blood pressure until patients could reach the operating room.

Rapid Sequence Intubation

Adult and pediatric Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) programs as defined in The Maryland Medical Protocols for Emergency Medical Services are designed to address the needs of patients whose airways are otherwise difficult to secure, including those with severe head injuries. Flight paramedics administer neuromuscular blocking medications that facilitate endotracheal intubation for patients who are not breathing adequately. Scenario-based simulation training modeled after real-life incidents enhances the knowledge and skills of flight paramedics, and provides the paramedics with credit for their recertification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.