Association of prehospital intubation with decreased survival among pediatric trauma patients in Iraq and Afghanistan

Polytrauma in Children

BACKGROUND

Inadequate clinical experience still causes uncertainty in the acute diagnostic evaluation and treatment of polytrauma in children (with or without coagulopathy). This review deals with the main aspects of the acute care of severely injured children in the light of current guidelines and other relevant literature, in particular airway control, volume and coagulation management, acute diagnostic imaging, and blood coagulation studies in the shock room.

METHODS

This review is based on literature retrieved by a selective search in PubMed, Medline (OVIDSP), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Epistemonikos covering the period January 2001 to August 2023. Review articles and the updated S2k clinical practice guideline on polytrauma management in childhood were considered.

RESULTS

Most accidents in childhood occur at home and in the child's free time, with varying mechanisms and patterns of injury depending on age. The outcome of treatment depends largely on the presence or absence or traumatic brain injury, which affects 66% of children with polytrauma and is thus the most common type of injury in this group, and of hemorrhagic shock with or without coagulopathy. Acute care follows the ABCDE algorithms with attention to special features in children, including age-specific reference values. According to a registry study, coagulopathy and hypovolemic shock are associated with 22% and 17% mortality, respec - tively. Treatment in a pediatric trauma reference center of the trauma network is recommended. Computed tomography (CT) should be carried out in children in accordance with defined criteria (PECARN), as a team decision and with the use of age-specific low-dose CT protocols. In children as in adults, viscoelasticity-based point-of-care tests enable the prompt diagnosis of relevant coagulopathies and their treatment in consideration of age-specific target values. The administration of tranexamic acid remains controversial.

CONCLUSION

4% of polytrauma patients are children. Because children differ from adults both anatomically and physiologically, the diagnostic evaluation and management of polytrauma in children presents a special challenge. The evidence base for pediatric polytrauma management is still inadequate; current recommendations are based on consensus, in consideration of the special features of children compared to adults.

Interventions associated with survival after prehospital intubation in the deployed combat setting

INTRODUCTION

Airway compromise is the second leading cause of potentially preventable death on the battlefield. Prehospital airway management is often unavoidable in a kinetic combat environment and expected to increase in future wars where timely evacuation will be unreliable and air superiority not guaranteed. We compared characteristics of survivors to non-survivors among combat casualties undergoing prehospital airway intubation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We requested all Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DODTR) encounters during 2007-2023 with documentation of any airway intervention or assessment within the first 72-h after injury. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all casualties with intubation documented in the prehospital setting. We used descriptive and inferential statistical analysis to compare survivors through 7 days post injury versus non-survivors. We constructed 3 multivariable logistic regression models to test for associations between interventions and 7-day survival after adjusting for injury severity score, mechanism of injury, and receipt of sedatives, paralytics, and blood products.

RESULTS

There were 1377 of 48,301 patients with documentation of prehospital intubation in a combat setting. Of these, 1028 (75%) survived through 7 days post injury. Higher proportions of survivors received ketamine, paralytic agents, parenteral opioids, and parenteral benzodiazepines; there was no difference in the proportions of survivors versus non-survivors receiving etomidate. The multivariable models consistently demonstrated positive associations between 7-day survival and receipt of non-depolarizing paralytics and opioid analgesics.

CONCLUSIONS

We found an association between non-depolarizing paralytic and opioid receipt with 7-day survival among patients undergoing prehospital intubation. The literature would benefit from future multi-center randomized controlled trials to establish optimal pharmacologic strategies for trauma patients undergoing prehospital intubation.

A prospective, pragmatic non-inferiority study of emergency intubation success with the single-use i-view versus standard reusable video laryngoscope

INTRODUCTION

Video laryngoscope (VL) technology improves first-pass success. The novel i-view VL device is inexpensive and disposable. We sought to determine the first-pass intubation success with the i-view VL device versus the standard reusable VL systems in routine use at each site.

METHODS

We performed a prospective, pragmatic study at two major emergency departments (EDs) when VL was used. We rotated i-view versus reusable VL as the preferred device of the month based on an a priori schedule. An investigator-initiated interim analysis was performed. Our primary outcome was a first-pass success with a non-inferiority margin of 10% based on the per-protocol analysis.

RESULTS

There were 93 intubations using the reusable VL devices and 81 intubations using the i-view. Our study was stopped early due to futility in reaching our predetermined non-inferiority margin. Operator and patient characteristics were similar between the two groups. The first-pass success rate for the i-view group was 69.1% compared to 84.3% for the reusable VL group. A non-inferiority analysis indicated that the difference (-15.1%) and corresponding 90% confidence limits (-25.3% to -5.0%) did not fall within the predetermined 10% non-inferiority margin.

CONCLUSIONS

The i-view device failed to meet our predetermined non-inferiority margin when compared to the reusable VL systems with the study stopping early due to futility. Significant crossover occurred at the discretion of the intubating operator during the i-view month.

Associations with Prehospital Antibiotic Receipt among Combat Casualties with Open Wounds: A Department of Defense Trauma Registry Study

INTRODUCTION

Current Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines recommend antibiotic administration for all open wounds to prevent infection. We identified associations between demographics, procedures, and medicines with the receipt of prehospital antibiotics among combat casualties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a series of emergency department procedure codes to identify adult subjects within the Department of Defense Trauma Registry from January 2007 to August 2016 who sustained open wounds. We compared demographics, procedures, and medicines administered among casualties receiving prehospital wound prophylaxis versus casualties not receiving antibiotic prophylaxis. We controlled for confounders with multivariable logistical regression.

RESULTS

We identified 18,366 encounters meeting inclusion criteria. Antibiotic recipients (n = 2384) were comparable to nonrecipients (n = 15,982) with regard to age and sex. Antibiotic recipients were more likely to sustain injuries from firearms and undergo all procedures examined related to hemorrhage control, airway management, pneumothorax treatment, and volume replacement except for intraosseous access. Antibiotic recipients were less likely to sustain injuries from explosives. Antibiotic recipients had a modestly higher survival than nonrecipients (97.4% versus 96.0%). Associations with prehospital antibiotic receipt in multivariable logistic regression included non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization military force affiliation (odds ratio (OR) 4.65, 95% CI, 1.0-20.8), tachycardia (OR 3.4, 95% CI, 1.1-10.5), intubation (OR 2.0, 95% CI, 1.1-3.8), and administration of tranexamic acid (OR 5.6, 95% CI, 1.2-26.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of combat casualties with open wounds receiving prehospital antibiotics was low despite published recommendations for early antibiotics in patients with open wounds. These findings highlight the ongoing need for additional educational and quality assurance initiatives to continue improving adherence to TCCC guidelines with regard to prehospital antibiotic administration. Future studies are necessary to determine reasons for suboptimal TCCC guideline compliance.

A Market Assessment of Introducer Technology to Aid With Endotracheal Intubation

INTRODUCTION

Endotracheal intubation is a potentially lifesaving procedure. Previously, data demonstrated that intubation remains the most performed airway intervention in the Role 1 setting. Additionally, deployed data demonstrate that casualties intubated in the prehospital setting have worse survival than those intubated in the emergency department setting. Technological solutions may improve intubation success in this setting. Certain intubation practices, including the use of endotracheal tube introducer bougies, facilitate intubation success especially in patients with difficult airways. We sought to determine the current state of the market for introducer devices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This market review utilized Google searches to find products for intubation. The search criteria aimed to identify any device ideal for intubation in the emergency setting. Device data retrieved included manufacturer, device, cost, and design descriptions.

RESULTS

We identified 12 introducer-variants on the market. Devices varied with regards to composition (latex, silicone, polyethylene, combination of several materials, etc.), tip shape, special features for ease of intubation (markings for depth and visibility, size, etc.), disposability/reuse capability, measurements, and prices. The cost of each device ranged from approximately $5 to $100.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified 12 introducer-variants on the market. Clinical studies are necessary to determine which devices may improve patient outcomes in the Role 1 setting.

Market Analysis of Video Laryngoscopy Equipment for the Role 1 Setting

INTRODUCTION

Airway compromise is the second leading cause of potentially preventable prehospital combat death. Endotracheal intubation (ETI) remains the most common role 1 airway intervention. Video laryngoscopy (VL) is superior to direct laryngoscopy (DL) for first-attempt intubation, especially in less-experienced providers and for trauma patients. The cost has been a major challenge in pushing VL technology far-forward; however, the cost of equipment continues to become more affordable. We conducted a market analysis of VL devices under $10,000 for possible options for role 1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched Google, PubMed, and the Food and Drug Administration database from August 2022 to January 2023 with a combination of several keywords to identify current VL market options under $10,000. After identifying relevant manufacturers, we then reviewed individual manufacturer or distributor websites for pricing data and system specifications. We noted several characteristics regarding VL device design for comparison. These include monitor features, size, modularity, system durability, battery life, and reusability. When necessary, we requested formal price quotes from respective companies.

RESULTS

We identified 17 VL options under $10,000 available for purchase, 14 of which were priced below $5,000 for individual units. Infium (n = 3) and Vimed Medical (n = 4) provided the largest number of unique models. VL options under $10,000 exist in both reusable and disposable modalities. These modalities included separate monitors as well as monitors attached to the VL handle. Disposable options, on a per-unit basis, cost less than reusable options.

CONCLUSIONS

Several VL options exist within our goal price point in both reusable and disposable options. Clinical studies assessing the technology performance of ETI and deliberate downselection are needed to identify the most cost-effective solution for role 1 dispersion.

Extraglottic device use is rare during emergency airway management: A National Emergency Airway Registry (NEAR) study

INTRODUCTION

Airway management is a critical component of the management of emergency department (ED) patients. The ED airway literature primarily focuses upon endotracheal intubation; relatively less is known about the ED use of extraglottic devices (EGDs). The goal of this study was to describe the frequency of use, success, and complications for EGDs among ED patients.

METHODS

The National Emergency Airway Registry (NEAR) is a prospective, multi-center, observational registry. It captures data on all ED patients at participating sites requiring airway management. Intubating clinicians entered all data into an online system as soon as practical after each encounter. We conducted a secondary analysis of these data for all ED encounters in which EGD placement occurred. We used descriptive statistics to characterize these encounters.

RESULTS

Of 19,071 patients undergoing intubation attempts, 56 (0.3%) underwent EGD placement. Of 25 participating sites, 13 reported no cases undergoing EGD placement; the median number of EGDs placed per site was 2 (interquartile range 1-2.5, range 1-31). Twenty-nine (54%) patients had either hypotension or hypoxia prior to the start of airway management. Clinicians reported anticipation of a difficult airway in 55% and at least one difficult airway characteristic in 93% of these patients. Forty-one encounters entailed placement of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA®) Fastrach™, 33 of whom underwent subsequent successful intubation through the EGD and 7 of whom underwent intubation by alternative methods. An additional 10 encounters utilized a standard LMA® device. Providers placed 34 (61%) EGDs during the first intubation attempt. Seventeen EGD patients (30%) experienced peri-procedure adverse events, including 14 (25%) experiencing hypoxemia. None of these patients expired due to failed airways.

CONCLUSIONS

EGD use was rare in this multi-center ED registry. EGD occurred predominantly in patients with difficult airway characteristics with favorable airway management outcomes. Clinicians should consider this emergency airway device for patients with a suspected difficult airway.

Prehospital Emergency Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

An under-developed and fragmented prehospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system is a major obstacle to the timely care of emergency patients. Insufficient emphasis on prehospital emergency systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) currently causes a substantial number of avoidable deaths from time-sensitive illnesses, highlighting a critical need for improved prehospital emergency care systems. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to assess the prehospital emergency care services across LMICs.

METHODS

This systematic review used four electronic databases, namely: PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and SCOPUS, to search for published reports on prehospital emergency medical care in LMICs. Only peer-reviewed studies published in English language from January 1, 2010 through November 1, 2022 were included in the review. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist were used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Further, the protocol of this systematic review has been registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (Ref: CRD42022371936) and has been conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the 4,909 identified studies, a total of 87 studies met the inclusion criteria and were therefore included in the review. Prehospital emergency care structure, transport care, prehospital times, health outcomes, quality of information exchange, and patient satisfaction were the most reported outcomes in the considered studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The prehospital care system in LMICs is fragmented and uncoordinated, lacking trained medical personnel and first responders, inadequate basic materials, and substandard infrastructure.

Is prehospital intubation of severely injured children in accordance with guidelines?

BACKGROUND

The current German S3 guideline for polytrauma lists five criteria for prehospital intubation: apnea, severe traumatic brain injury (GCS ≤8), severe chest trauma with respiratory failure, hypoxia, and persistent hemodynamic instability. These guideline criteria, used in adults in daily practice, have not been previously studied in a collection of severely injured children. The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which the criteria are implemented in clinical practice using a multivariate risk analysis of severely injured children.

METHODS

Data of 289,698 patients from the TraumaRegister DGU® were analyzed. Children meeting the following criteria were included: Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale 3+, primary admission, German-speaking countries, years 2008-2017, and declaration of intubation. Since children show age-dependent deviating physiology, four age groups were defined (years old: 0-2; 3-6; 7-11; 12-15). An adult collective served as a control group (age: 20-50). After a descriptive analysis in the first step, factors leading to prehospital intubation in severely injured children were analyzed with a multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 4489 children met the inclusion criteria. In this cohort, young children up to 2 years old had the significantly highest injury severity (Injury Severity Score: 21; p ≤ 0.001). Falls from both high (> 3 m) and low heights (< 3 m) were more common in children than in adults. The same finding applied to the occurrence of severe traumatic brain injury. When at least one intubation criterion was formally present, the group up to 6 years old was least likely to actually be intubated (61.4%; p ≤ 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 8 in particular had the greatest influence on intubation (odds ratio: 26.9; p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The data presented here show for the first time that the existing criteria in the guideline for prehospital intubation are applied in clinical practice (approximately 70% of cases), compared to adults, in the vast majority of injured children. Although severely injured children still represent a minority of all injured patients, future guidelines should focus more on them and address them in a specialized manner.

Hypothermia in the Combat Trauma Population

BACKGROUND

The MARCH (Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respirations, Circulation, and Hypothermia/Head injuries) algorithm taught to military medics includes interventions to prevent hypothermia. As possible sequelae from major trauma, hypothermia is associated with coagulopathy and lower survival. This paper sought to define hypothermia within our combat trauma population using an outcomes-based method, and determine clinical variables associated with hypothermia.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of a previously described dataset from the Department of Defense Trauma Registry focused on casualties who received prehospital care. A receiver operating curve was constructed and Youden's index was used to define hypothermia within the predetermined population based on mortality risk. A multivariable regression model was used to identify associations.

RESULTS

There were 23,243 encounters that met the inclusion criteria for this study with patients having received prehospital care and documentation of at least one emergency department temperature. An optimal threshold of 36.2° C was found to predict mortality; 3,159 casualties had temperatures below this threshold (14%). Survival to discharge was lower among casualties with hypothermia (91% versus 98%). Hypothermic casualties were less likely to undergo blanket application (38% versus 40%). However, they had higher proportions with Hypothermia Prevention and Management Kit application (11% versus 7%) and radiant warming (2% versus 1%). On multivariable regression modeling, none of the hypothermia interventions were associated with a decreased likelihood of hypothermia. Non-hypothermia interventions associated with hypothermia included prehospital intubation (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.45-1.69) and blood product administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypothermia, including a single recorded low temperature in the patient care record, was associated with worse outcomes in this combat trauma population. Prehospital intubation was most strongly associated with developing hypothermia. Prehospital warming interventions were not associated with a reduction in hypothermia risk. Our dataset suggests that current methods for prehospital warming are inadequate.

Indications for prehospital intubation among severely injured children and the prevalence of significant traumatic brain injury among those intubated due to impaired level of consciousness

BACKGROUND

Prehospital endotracheal intubation (PEI) of head injured children with impaired level of consciousness (LOC) aims to minimize secondary brain injury. However, PEI is controversial in otherwise stable children. We aimed to investigate the indications for PEI among pediatric trauma patients and the prevalence of clinically significant traumatic brain injury (csTBI) among those intubated solely due to impaired consciousness.

METHODS

This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study of children who underwent PEI in northern Israel between January 2014 and December 2020 by six EMS agencies and were transported to two trauma centers in the area. We extracted data from EMS records and trauma registries.

RESULTS

PEI was attempted in 179/986 (18.2%) patients and was successful in 92.2% of cases. Common indications for PEI were hypoxemia not corrected by supplemental oxygen (n = 30), traumatic cardiac arrest (n = 16), and facial injury compromising the airway (n = 13). 112 patients (62.6%) were intubated solely due to impaired or deteriorating LOC. Among these patients, 68 (62.4%) suffered csTBI. The prevalence of csTBI among those with field Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 3, 4-8, and > 8 was 81.4%, 55.8%, and 28.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). Among children ≤ 10 years old intubated due to impaired LOC, 50% had csTBI.

CONCLUSION

Impaired LOC is a major indication for PEI. However, a significant proportion of these patients do not suffer csTBI. Older age and lower pre-intubation GCS are associated with more accurate field classification. Our data indicate that further investigation and better characterization of patients who may benefit from PEI is necessary.

A mixed methods end-user assessment to determine the ideal supraglottic airway device for inclusion into the medic's aid bag

INTRODUCTION

Many advancements in supraglottic airway (SGA) technology have occurred since the start of the Global War on Terrorism. While the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines previously recommend the i-gel device, this is based on little data and minimal end-user input.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to use a mixed methods approach to investigate the properties of an ideal device for inclusion into the medic's aid bag.

METHODS

We performed prospective, serial qualitative studies to uncover and articulate themes relative to airway device usability with 68 W - combat medics. 68 W are trained roughly to the level of a civilian Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with a heavier focus on trauma care. Physicians with airway expertise demonstrated the use of each device and provided formal training on all the presented devices. We then administered performed focus groups to solicit end-user feedback along with survey data.

RESULTS

We enrolled 250 medics during the study. The preponderance of medics were of the rank E4 (28%) and E5 (44%). Only 35% reported ever placing an SGA in a real human. When reporting on usability, the i-gel had the highest median score, ease of manipulation, grip comfort and ease of insertion while also scoring the best in regard to requiring minimal training. The other compared devices had no clear highest score. Qualitative data saturated around a strong preference for the BaskaMask and/or the i-gel airway device, with the least favorite being the AirQ and the LMA Fastrach airway devises. There was a strong qualitative alignment in how both the BaskaMask and i-gel provided ease of use and simplicity of training.

CONCLUSIONS

There were strong qualitative preferences for two specific airway devices: Baska Mask and i-gel. However, many medics commented on their previous experience with the i-gel compared to the other devices which may have biased them towards the i-gel. The overall data suggests that medics would prefer a device engineered with features from several devices.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

Prehospital Pediatric Respiratory Distress and Airway Management Interventions: An NAEMSP Position Statement and Resource Document

Devices and techniques such as bag-valve-mask ventilation, endotracheal intubation, supraglottic airway devices, and noninvasive ventilation offer important tools for airway management in critically ill EMS patients. Over the past decade the tools, technology, and strategies used to assess and manage pediatric respiratory and airway emergencies have evolved, and evidence regarding their use continues to grow.NAEMSP recommends:Methods and tools used to properly size pediatric equipment for ages ranging from newborns to adolescents should be available to all EMS clinicians. All pediatric equipment should be routinely checked and clearly identifiable in EMS equipment supply bags and vehicles.EMS agencies should train and equip their clinicians with age-appropriate pulse oximetry and capnography equipment to aid in the assessment and management of pediatric respiratory distress and airway emergencies.EMS agencies should emphasize noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and effective bag-valve-mask ventilation strategies in children.Supraglottic airways can be used as primary or secondary airway management interventions for pediatric respiratory failure and cardiac arrest in the EMS setting.Pediatric endotracheal intubation has unclear benefit in the EMS setting. Advanced approaches to pediatric ETI including drug-assisted airway management, apneic oxygenation, and use of direct and video laryngoscopy require further research to more clearly define their risks and benefits prior to widespread implementation.If considering the use of pediatric endotracheal intubation, the EMS medical director must ensure the program provides pediatric-specific initial training and ongoing competency and quality management activities to ensure that EMS clinicians attain and maintain mastery of the intervention.Paramedic use of direct laryngoscopy paired with Magill forceps to facilitate foreign body removal in the pediatric patient should be maintained even when pediatric endotracheal intubation is not approved as a local clinical intervention.

A Prospective Assessment of a Novel, Disposable Video Laryngoscope With Physician Assistant Trainees Using a Synthetic Cadaver Model

BACKGROUND

Airway obstruction is the second leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield. Video laryngoscopy has improved airway management in the emergency setting for several decades, and technology continues to improve. Current technology in the supply chain is cost-prohibitive to incorporate at Role 1 facilities, which is where many intubations occur by novice intubators. The i-view is a novel video laryngoscopy device that is handheld, inexpensive, and disposable. The aim of this study was to determine if the i-view is suitable based on performance assessments by physician assistant trainees and survey feedback.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively enrolled physician assistant students at the Interservice Physician Assistant Program at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. We provided them structured training on how to use the device, and then, a board-certified emergency medicine physician or certified registered nurse anesthetist assessed their intubations performed on a SynDaver mannequin model. We surveyed the participants afterward.

RESULTS

We enrolled 60 Interservice Physician Assistant Program students. Most participants were male (75%) with a median age of 32 years. Service affiliations included Army (50%), Navy (23%), Air Force (18%), and Coast Guard (8%). Most (70%) had previous deployment experience. All the participants successfully cannulated the mannequins and 98% achieved first-attempt success. Most participants (78%) reported a grade 1 view. On postprocedure survey, 91% strongly agreed with using this device in the deployed setting and 89% strongly agreed with finding it easy to use.

CONCLUSIONS

All physician assistant trainees successfully and rapidly performed endotracheal intubation using the disposable i-view video laryngoscope. Study participants rated the device as easy to use and desirable for deployment. Further research is necessary to validate this novel device in the clinical setting before recommending dissemination to the deployed military medical force sets, kits, and outfits.

Patient Contact Time and Prehospital Interventions in Hypotensive Trauma Patients: Should We Reconsider the "ABC" Algorithm When Time Is of the Essence?

INTRODUCTION

There is disagreement in the trauma community concerning the extent to which emergency medical services (EMS) should perform on-scene interventions. Additionally, in recent years the "ABC" algorithm has been questioned in hypotensive patients. The objective of this study was to quantify the delay introduced by different on-scene interventions.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of hypotensive trauma patients brought to an urban level 1 trauma center by EMS from 2007 to 2018 was performed, and patients were stratified by mechanism of injury and new injury severity score (NISS). Independent samples median tests were used to compare median on-scene times.

RESULTS

Among 982 trauma patients, median on-scene time was 5 minutes (interquartile range 3-8). In penetrating trauma patients (n = 488) with NISS of 16-25, intubation significantly increased scene time from 4 to 6 minutes (P < .05). In penetrating trauma patients with NISS of 10-15, wound care significantly increased scene time from 3 to 6 minutes (P < .05). Tourniquet use, interosseous (IO) access, intravenous (IV) access, and needle decompression did not significantly increase scene time.

CONCLUSION

Understanding that intubation increases scene time in penetrating trauma, while IV and IO access do not, alterations to the traditional "ABC" algorithm may be warranted. Further investigation of prehospital interventions is needed to determine which are appropriate on-scene.

Prehospital Life-Saving Interventions Performed on Pediatric Patients in a Combat Zone: A Multicenter Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to describe and evaluate prehospital life-saving interventions performed in a pediatric population in the Afghanistan theater of operations.

DESIGN

Our study was a post hoc, subanalysis of a larger multicenter, prospective, observational study.

SETTING

We evaluated casualties enrolled upon admission to one of the nine military medical facilities in Afghanistan between January 2009 and March 2014.

PATIENTS

Adult and pediatric (<17 yr old) patients.

MEASUREMENTS

We conducted initial descriptive analyses followed by comparative tests. For comparative analysis, we stratified the study population (adult vs pediatric), and subsequently, we compared injury descriptions and the interventions performed. Following tests for normality, we used the t test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test (nonparametric) for continuous variables and chi-square or Fisher exact for categorical variables. We reported percentages and 95% CIs.

MAIN RESULTS

We enrolled 2,106 patients, of which 5.6% (n = 118) were pediatric. Eighty-two percent of the pediatric patients were male, and 435 had blast related injuries. A total of 295 prehospital life-saving interventions were performed on 118 pediatric patients, for an average of 2.5 life-saving interventions per patient. Vascular access (IV 96%, intraosseous 91%) and hypothermia prevention-related interventions (69%) were the most common. Incorrectly performed life-saving interventions in pediatric patients were rare (98% of life-saving interventions performed correctly) and n equals to 24 life-saving interventions over the 6-year period were missed. The most common incorrectly performed and missed life-saving interventions were related to vascular access. When compared with adult life-saving interventions received in the prehospital environment, pediatric patients were more likely to receive intraosseous access (p < 0.0001), whereas adult patients were more likely to have a tourniquet placed (p = 0.0019), receive wound packing with a hemostatic agent (p = 0.0091), and receive chest interventions (p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the most common intervention was vascular access followed by hypothermia prevention and hemorrhage control. The occurrence of missed or incorrectly performed life-saving interventions were rare.

U.S. Military Medical Evacuation and Prehospital Care of Pediatric Trauma Casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan

Background: Traumatic injuries were the most common reason for pediatric admission to military hospitals during the recent wars in the Middle East. We describe injury characteristics and prehospital interventions performed on wartime pediatric trauma casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq, stratified by medical evacuation platform. Methods: We queried the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DODTR) for all pediatric (age < 18 years) encounters from January 2007 to January 2016. The DODTR is the data repository for all trauma-related injuries managed by deployed US military medical treatment facilities with surgical capabilities. We requested all documented prehospital care, which may have been delivered anywhere from the point-of-injury until a fixed-facility with surgical capabilities. We stratified subjects according to Centers for Disease Control age groupings: <1 year, 1-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years, and 15-17 years. Results: Of the 3,493 pediatric encounters in the DODTR, 1,004 underwent military evacuation from the point of injury: 911 (90.7%) by standard medical evacuation platforms and 93 (9.3%) by nonstandard, improvised evacuation assets. Six hundred seventy-five of the 1004 pediatric trauma casualties were between 5 and 14 years of age. Over 75% were male, over 80% were in Afghanistan, and most were injured by explosives. Across all age groups, serious injuries to the head/neck and extremities were most common. Subjects transported by standard evacuation platforms underwent tourniquet application (12.2% vs 5.3%, p < 0.05) and intraosseous access (12.2% vs 4.3%; p = 0.02) more frequently than those on nonstandard platforms. Casualties evacuated by nonstandard platforms underwent airway adjunct emplacement more frequently those on standard evacuation assets (3.2% vs 0.3%; p = 0.01). IV access and opiate administration were the most commonly performed interventions on both standard and nonstandard assets. Subject survival to hospital discharge was 88.1% on standard platforms and 89.2% on nonstandard platforms (p = 0.75). Conclusions: Approximately 30% of pediatric trauma casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq underwent medical evacuation from the point of injury directly to a military treatment facility with surgical capabilities. Most of those children did not undergo the prehospital interventions studied. Future investigations evaluating pediatric medical evacuation and prehospital care, medical staffing, pediatric-specific training, and equipping of pediatric-specific materials may be beneficial.

Normobaric hyperoxia in wartime pediatric trauma casualties

BACKGROUND

Mounting evidence suggests hyperoxia therapy may be harmful. We describe injury characteristics and survival outcomes for pediatric trauma casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan, stratified by partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2). Secondarily, we performed subgroup analyses for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and massive transfusion of blood products (MT).

METHODS

We utilized Department of Defense Trauma Registry data. We included subjects <18 years. We excluded subjects without an arterial blood gas (ABG). We stratified subjects as hyperoxemia (PaO2 100-300 mmHg) and extreme hyperoxemia (PaO2 >300 mmHg).

RESULTS

January 2007-January 2016, 3439 pediatric encounters were in the database. Of those, 1323 had an ABG, with 291 (22%) demonstrating hyperoxemia and 43 (3.3%) extreme hyperoxemia. The median age was 8, most were male (76%) in Afghanistan (69%), and injured by explosive (42%). There were no significant differences in survival between subjects with no hyperoxemia, hyperoxemia, and extreme hyperoxemia (92% vs 87% vs 86%; p = 0.078). Also, there were no significant differences in survival between groups among TBI and MT subjects, and there were no increased odds of survival between groups on multivariable regression analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperoxemia was common among hospitalized, wartime pediatric trauma casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan that underwent ABG analysis. Survival to hospital discharge rates were not significantly different between subjects with hyperoxemia and subjects without hyperoxemia.

Prehospital Interventions Performed on Pediatric Trauma Patients in Iraq and Afghanistan

BACKGROUND

United States (US) and coalition military medical units deployed to combat zones frequently encounter pediatric trauma patients. Pediatric patients may present unique challenges due to their anatomical and physiological characteristics and most military prehospital providers lack pediatric-specific training. A minimal amount of data exists to illuminate the prehospital care of pediatric patients in this environment. We describe the prehospital care of pediatric trauma patients in Iraq and Afghanistan.

METHODS

We queried the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DODTR) for all pediatric subjects admitted to US and Coalition fixed-facility hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan from January 2007 to January 2016. Subjects were grouped by age: <1, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14, and 15-17 years. We focused our analysis on interventions related to trauma resuscitation.

RESULTS

Of 42,790 encounters in the DODTR during the study period, 3,439 (8.0%) were aged <18 years. Most subjects were in the 5-9 age group (33.1%), male (77.1%), located in Afghanistan (67.8%), injured by explosives (43.1%). Most subjects survived to hospital discharge (90.2%). The most frequently performed interventions were tourniquet placement (6.6%), intubation (6.1%), supplemental oxygen (11.7%), IV access (24.8%), IV fluids (13.3%), IO access (5.1%), and hypothermia prevention (44.5%). The most frequently administered medications were antibiotics (6.2%) and opioids (15.0%). Most procedural and medication interventions occurred in subjects injured by explosives (43.1%) and gunshot wounds (22.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric subjects comprised over 1 in 13 casualties treated in the joint theaters with the majority injured by explosives. Vascular access and hypothermia prevention interventions were the most frequently performed procedures.