Second, they have a chance to learn about the environment from where patients come. Finally, they get to see the advantages and limitations of field care. The same is true of Life Flight, with the addition of flight physiology considerations as well as issues involving scene runs and interhospital transfers. This portion of the elective is very popular and great care is taken to point out the risks, need for safety and the medical mission of helicopter use. Trauma and ICU rounds offer a chance to see very sick patients, frequently patients that were observed in the ED or with EMS or Life Flight.
Basic physiology is reviewed and correlations with basic science are emphasized.
Discussion of the patient care continuum from onset of symptoms or injury through return to function is emphasized. The wrap up session is to debrief the students about the elective. Questions about specific patients or care systems are answered. This elective was intentionally designed to be fun for the students and to teach information not covered elsewhere. Over the years, changes suggested by student feedback have been incorporated into the elective.