Helicopter loading time study: hot versus cold.

INTRODUCTION: Historically our program has used the practice of hot-loading at scenes as a time-saving measure. This practice potentially exposes patients and health care personnel to a variety of risks. Currently no data exist supporting the use of hot-loading as a time-saving technique. We prospectively studied load times and scene times for both hot- and cold-loading methods. METHODS: Hot- or cold-loading methods were randomized according to odd or even days of the month for scene runs. Both loading times and total scene times were recorded. An ANOVA was used to compare the times, taking into consideration the aircraft in use (BO 105 or BK 117). RESULTS: A total of 104 flights were entered into the study. For loading time, hot-loading showed a statistically significant difference (F [1,100] = 112.84, P = 0.000). Means for hot- and cold-loading times are 3.071 and 5.033 minutes, respectively. The interaction effect of aircraft and loading method also was significant (F [1,100] = 4.637, P = 0.034). The BO 105 (on high skids) was slower to hot-load. In contrast, the BK 117 (additional pretakeoff system checks) was slower to cold-load. The type of aircraft alone showed no effect on loading time. Total scene times were evaluated using the same procedures. A statistically significant difference also was found for the effect of hot-loading on total scene time (F [1,100] = 11.391, P = 0.001). Means for hot and cold total scene times are 10.54 and 13.615 minutes, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hot-loading does decrease our program's overall scene times. The clinical significance of this procedure was not evaluated.