This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. Changes in the air ambulance (AA) industry's size and structure have led to differences of opinion about the implications for AA use, safety, and services. Some industry stakeholders believe that greater state regulation would be good for consumers. While states can regulate the medical aspects of AA, the Airline Deregulation Act preempts states from economic regulation of AA. Other stakeholders view the industry changes as having been beneficial to consumers and see no need for a regulatory change. This report examined: (1) changes in the industry in the last decade and the implications of these changes on the availability of AA and patient services; and (2) the relationship between fed. and state oversight and regulation of the industry.

Air ambulance transport is widely regarded as improving the chances of survival for trauma victims and other critical patients. However, recent increases in the number of air ambulance accidents have led to greater industry scrutiny by gov¿t. agencies, the public, the media, and the industry itself. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and others have called on the FAA, which provides safety oversight, to issue more stringent safety requirements for the industry. This testimony discusses: (1) recent trends in the air ambulance industry with regard to its size, composition, and safety record; (2) recent industry and gov¿t. efforts to improve air ambulance safety; and (3) potential strategies for improving air ambulance safety. Charts and tables.