The Alfred Emergency and Trauma Centre: Critical Moments in Helicopter Patient Transfer

Air ambulance helicopter approaching The Alfred Hospital with a patient

The Alfred Emergency & Trauma Centre, one of Victoria's busiest emergency departments, partnered with MMP Studio to document the critical process of helicopter patient transfer. This project aimed to showcase the centre's efficiency and expertise in handling high-stakes medical situations.

The trauma unit staff awaiting the helicopter to turn it's engine off

The client needed to capture the entire process of a trauma patient arrival via helicopter, from landing to entering surgery, while respecting patient privacy and working within strict time constraints. The unpredictable nature of emergency calls meant the photographer had to be ready at a moment's notice.

The paramedics prepare the patient

MMP Studio devised a rapid-response strategy, positioning photographer Michelle McFarlane nearby for immediate deployment. By using a bicycle for quick access and carrying minimal equipment, Michelle made sure she could arrive on the scene within the critical 15-minute window.

Trauma team transferring patient from helicopter to hospital

Process:

1. On-call readiness: Michelle remained on standby, prepared to respond quickly.

2. Rapid deployment: Upon notification, Michelle cycled to the hospital in just 9 minutes.

3. Pre-shoot briefing: A quick introduction to medical staff ensured smooth cooperation.

4. Strategic shooting: Michelle captured the entire process, from helicopter landing to patient handover and trauma unit procedures, while carefully avoiding patient identification.

5. Extended coverage: With permission, Michelle followed the patient's journey to surgery, providing comprehensive visual documentation.

Professor Mark Fitzgerald, The Alfred's Director of Trauma Services walks with the team

The photoshoot delivered a complete visual narrative of the trauma care process. The resulting images have been widely used across the hospital's printed publications and website, including as the banner image for The Alfred Foundation's webpage.

Bustling trauma department during emergency procedure

Key results:

• 150 high-quality photos delivered, with 15 selected for immediate use

• Ongoing usage in hospital marketing materials

• Enhanced visual storytelling of the hospital's emergency services

• Successful documentation of the entire patient journey while maintaining privacy

Trauma unit in action treating emergency patient

Project Details:

Client Name: The Alfred Emergency and Trauma Centre

Type of Organisation: Hospital Emergency Department

Shoot Date: 2017

Photoshoot duration: 20 minutes (active shooting time)

Amount of photos delivered: 150 (15 used)

MMP photography service type: Media Call

MMP photography package type: Media Call

Location: The Alfred Hospital helipad and trauma unit

Photographer: Michelle McFarlane

Photography Brief: Capture helicopter landing and patient handover process