State's helicopter trauma transports getting a second look

The heads of the state trauma center and emergency medical system were expected this afternoon to call for a review of the criteria for flying patients aboard state police helicopters.

The move comes in light of a crash last month that killed the three-member crew and one patient, who was being transported by helicopter for minor injuries.

Currently, roughly 50 percent of patients who are flown by helicopter have nonlife-threatening injuries, and an even greater percentage of patients treated at the state's trauma centers are released within 24 hours.

Dr. Robert Bass, executive director of the Maryland Institute for...