Neonatal Air Transport: Is There a Role for Extended-Range Helicopter Operational Standard?

Abstract

With the aim to improve safety in neonatal air transport, we designed a reference map of Italy based on recent proposed extended-range helicopters for offshore flights operation standard studies. The map takes into account alternate fields in case of helicopter failure and newborn acute clinical deterioration or medical equipment failure. We believe that our map can represent a useful methodological reference to increase the safety of neonatal transport by helicopter, helping to trace safe routes even beyond the 100 miles usually indicated as a limit to helicopter use.