Who makes the final decision regarding how many casualties may be safely loaded aboard the helicopter?

• A. The medic
• B. The tactical leader
• C. The pilot-in-command (PIC)
• D. The patient

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that flight safety and aircraft performance set the limits for how much people and equipment can be carried. The pilot-in-command is responsible for the aircraft's safety on every flight, including decisions about weight, balance, and the maximum number of casualties that can be loaded without compromising performance or safety. Medical staff can advise on medical needs and priorities, but they don’t set flight safety limits. The tactical leader may want more casualties aboard to complete the mission, but safety considerations still govern the load. The patient cannot determine loading limits. So, the final decision belongs to the pilot-in-command.