The number of Maryland medevac transports have dropped significantly since new protocols were put in place after a fatal crash, causing lawmakers on Tuesday to question how many helicopters are needed to replace the state’s aging fleet.

Several Officials Question Dependence On Helicopters In what could be a major step backwards for helicopter medevac operations, a panel of emergency medical officials met last week in Maryland to review the state of operations following the September 28 loss of a Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin II in poor weather conditions.

Use of the Metro Red Cross Air Mercy Service helicopter is being restricted and "greater scrutiny" placed on emergency calls because of possible over-expenditure.