Wednesday, December 3, 2008

EMERGENCY SERVICES

The chief of Maryland's air ambulance system acknowledged yesterday that the helicopter fleet is overused and should shrink.

Robert R. Bass, executive director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services, told a panel of lawmakers that "overtriage is an issue here in Maryland," meaning that emergency workers are flying some injured patients to trauma centers when less-costly -- and possibly safer -- trips by ambulance would suffice.

A study to consider a smaller fleet was one of several recommendations made last week by a panel of national experts convened after a helicopter crash in September in Prince George's County killed three rescue workers and a patient. Bass also said he agreed that the fleet should seek a national accreditation that would require helicopters to be flown with two paramedics instead of one.

Officials are evaluating how many of the state's 11 helicopters could be dropped from the fleet, a shift that could put the state's plans to purchase three new helicopters a year on hold.

-- Lisa Rein

A 65-year-old man found dead Monday evening in his Damascus apartment was slain, Montgomery County police said yesterday.

The man, identified as Billy Joe Ray, had trauma to his upper body, police said. Investigators would not elaborate. Police said he was last seen early Monday outside his apartment building in the 9800 block of Bethesda Church Road.

Officers found Ray's body inside his apartment about 6 p.m. after family members were unable to reach him and were concerned about his welfare, police said.

Anyone with information can reach Montgomery detectives at 240-773-5070 or the Montgomery police department's non-emergency number at 301-279-8000. Callers wanting to remain anonymous can reach Crime Solvers at 866-411-8477. A $1,000 reward is offered for information leading to an arrest or indictment, police said.

-- Katherine Shaver