ABSTRACT
Aeromedical practice is separated into helicopter and fixed wing services, and the potential liability differs significantly in each group. An aeromedical transfer is in continuum with the pre and post-transport phases of patient management, and cannot be viewed in isolation. Medical directors share responsibility for the negligent action of their medical personnel but may have their liability superseded by another doctor, such as the one who requests the transport and who gives the transfer orders. The doctor/patient relationship is a rather special one and, to some extent, the flight nurse or paramedic acting alone during medical missions shares many of the fundamental obligations and responsibilities of this relationship. Patients are entitled to expect that information learned by members of the medical team during the course of the transfer will remain confidential. A full medical and nursing team practiced barrier techniques for the complete journey, and the aircraft was thoroughly disinfected before refitting.
