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Ciaraglia A, Lumbard D, Murala A, Moreira A, Rajasekaran K, Nicholson S, Moreira A. Comparison of helicopter and ground transportation in pediatric trauma patients. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:188-192. [PMID: 37537235 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02761-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decision making regarding transportation mode after a traumatic injury may have a significant impact on outcomes, due to differences in time to definitive care. The objective of this study was to determine if transport mode had an impact on in-hospital mortality and discharge disposition in pediatric trauma patients. METHODS Data were abstracted from the National Trauma Data Bank from 2007 to 2016 comparing helicopter and ground transportation modes effects on mortality and discharge outcomes. The primary outcome was in-hospital death, while the secondary outcome was discharge home without services (DCHWOS). Analyses included logistic regression modeling and propensity score matching. RESULTS Significant variables from univariate analysis were included in the multivariate, propensity-matched regression model. Pediatric trauma patients transported by helicopter had lower odds of mortality (OR 0.69 [0.64,0.75]) and higher odds of DCHWOS (1.29 [1.20,1.39]). There were no differences in overall mechanism, but individual injury patterns showed higher odds of mortality. CONCLUSION Critical decisions regarding triage of patients by different modes of transport occur every day. This study supports the current literature on the topic and shows a potential additional benefit of a meaningful discharge outcome for those transported by helicopter. IMPACT This study may impact prehospital triage decision making process for pediatric trauma patients on mortality. Prehospital transport mode may contribute to pediatric trauma discharge outcomes. Highlights the need for future research regarding non-clinical data that is unable to be abstracted from national databases (e.g., family dynamics, insurance status, weather, access to post-discharge resources).
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Ciaraglia
- UT Health Science Center San Antonio, Department of Surgery, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Derek Lumbard
- UT Health Science Center San Antonio, Department of Surgery, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Anish Murala
- UT Health Science Center San Antonio, Department of Pediatrics, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Axel Moreira
- Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karthik Rajasekaran
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susannah Nicholson
- UT Health Science Center San Antonio, Department of Surgery, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Alvaro Moreira
- UT Health Science Center San Antonio, Department of Pediatrics, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Jakob DA, Müller M, Jud S, Albrecht R, Hautz W, Pietsch U. The forgotten cohort-lessons learned from prehospital trauma death: a retrospective cohort study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2023; 31:37. [PMID: 37550763 PMCID: PMC10405424 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-023-01107-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma related deaths remain a relevant public health problem, in particular in the younger male population. A significant number of these deaths occur prehospitally without transfer to a hospital. These patients, sometimes termed "the forgotten cohort", are usually not included in clinical registries, resulting in a lack of information about prehospitally trauma deaths. The aim of the present study was to compare patients who died prehospital with those who sustained life-threatening injuries in order to analyze and potentially improve prehospital strategies. METHODS This cohort study included all primary operations carried out by Switzerland's largest helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021. We included all adult trauma patients with life-threatening or fatal conditions. The outcome of this study is the vital status of the patient at the end of mission, i.e. fatal or life-threatening. Injury, rescue characteristics, and interventions of the forgotten trauma cohort, defined as patients with a fatal injury (NACA score of VII), were compared with life-threatening injuries (NACA score V and VI). RESULTS Of 110,331 HEMS missions, 5534 primary operations were finally analyzed, including 5191 (93.8%) life-threatening and 343 (6.2%) fatal injuries. More than two-thirds of patients (n = 3772, 68.2%) had a traumatic brain injury without a significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Thoracic trauma (44.6% vs. 28.7%, p < 0.001) and abdominal trauma (22.2% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.004) were more frequent in fatal missions whereas pelvic trauma was similar between the two groups (13.4% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.788). Pneumothorax decompression rate (17.2% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001) was higher in the forgotten cohort group and measures for bleeding control (15.2% vs. 42.7%, p < 0.001) and pelvic belt application (2.9% vs. 13.1% p < 0.001) were more common in the life-threating injury group. CONCLUSION Chest decompression rates and measures for early hemorrhage control are areas for potential improvement in prehospital care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik A Jakob
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Martin Müller
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Jud
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Roland Albrecht
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Swiss Air-Ambulance, Rega (Rettungsflugwacht/Guarde Aérienne), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wolf Hautz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Urs Pietsch
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Swiss Air-Ambulance, Rega (Rettungsflugwacht/Guarde Aérienne), Zurich, Switzerland
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Epstein D, Goldman S, Radomislensky I, Raz A, Lipsky AM, Lin S, Bodas M. Outcomes of basic versus advanced prehospital life support in severe pediatric trauma. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 65:118-124. [PMID: 36608395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of basic life support (BLS) vs. advanced life support (ALS) in pediatric trauma is controversial. Although ALS is widely accepted as the gold standard, previous studies have found no advantage of ALS over BLS care in adult trauma. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether ALS transport confers a survival advantage over BLS among severely injured children. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of data included in the Israeli National Trauma Registry from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2020 was conducted. All the severely injured children (age < 18 years and injury severity score [ISS] ≥16) were included. Patient survival by mode of transport was analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS Of 3167 patients included in the study, 65.1% were transported by ALS and 34.9% by BLS. Significantly more patients transported by ALS had ISS ≥25 as well as abnormal vital signs at admission. The ALS and BLS cohorts were comparable in age, gender, mechanism of injury, and prehospital time. Children transported by ALS had higher in-hospital mortality (9.2% vs. 0.9%, p < 0.001). Following risk adjustment, patients transported by ALS teams were significantly more likely to die than patients transported by BLS (adjusted OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.05-5.41, p = 0.04). Patients with ISS ≥50 had comparable mortality rates in both groups (45.9% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.837) while patients with GCS <9 transported by ALS had higher mortality (25.9% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.019). Admission to a level II trauma center vs. a level I hospital was also associated with increased mortality (adjusted OR 2.78 (95% CI 1.75-4.55, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Among severely injured children, prehospital ALS care was not associated with lower mortality rates relative to BLS care. Because of potential confounding by severity in this retrospective analysis, further studies are warranted to validate these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Epstein
- Critical Care Division, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Sharon Goldman
- Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Irina Radomislensky
- Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Aeyal Raz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel; Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ari M Lipsky
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel; Emergency Department, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel
| | - Shaul Lin
- Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel; Department of Endodontic and Dental Trauma, Rambam Health Care Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Moran Bodas
- Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Department of Emergency & Disaster Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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Joseph AM, Horvat CM, Evans IV, Kuch BA, Kahn JM. Helicopter versus ground ambulance transport for interfacility transfer of critically ill children. Am J Emerg Med 2022; 61:44-51. [PMID: 36037589 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following initial stabilization, critically ill children often require transfer to a specialized pediatric hospital. While the use of specialized pediatric transport teams has been associated with improved outcomes for these patients, the additional influence of transfer mode (helicopter or ground ambulance) on clinical outcomes remains unknown. METHODS We investigated the association between transport mode and outcomes among critically ill children transferred to a single pediatric hospital via a specialized pediatric transport team. We designed a retrospective cohort study to reduce indication bias by limiting analysis to patients for whom a helicopter transport was initially requested. We compared outcomes for those who ultimately traveled via helicopter, and for those who ultimately traveled via ground ambulance due to non-clinical factors. RESULTS We compared transport times, in-hospital mortality, and hospital length of stay by transport mode. Transport time in minutes was shorter for helicopter transports (median = 143, interquartile range [IQR]: 118-184) compared to ground ambulance transports (median = 289, IQR: 213-258; difference in medians = 146, 95% CI: 12 to 168, p < 0.001). In unadjusted analysis, helicopter transport was not associated with a difference in in-hospital mortality (helicopter = 6.0%, ground ambulance = 7.0%; 95% CI for difference: -6.6% to 3.3%; p = 0.64) but was associated with a statistically significant reduction in median hospital days (helicopter = 4, ground ambulance = 5; 95% CI -3 to 0; p = 0.04). In adjusted analyses, there were no statistically significant associations. These results were consistent across sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Among critically ill pediatric patients without traumatic injuries transported by a specialty team, those patients who would have been transferred by helicopter if available but were instead transferred by ground ambulance reached their site of definitive care approximately 2.5 h later. Helicopter transport for these patients was not associated with in-hospital mortality, but was potentially associated with reduced hospital length of stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan M Joseph
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
| | - Christopher M Horvat
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
| | - Idris V Evans
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
| | - Bradley A Kuch
- Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania and STAT MedEvac, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
| | - Jeremy M Kahn
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Department of Health Policy & Management, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
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Nielsen VM, Bruun NH, Søvsø MB, Kløjgård TA, Lossius HM, Bender L, Mikkelsen S, Tarpgaard M, Petersen JA, Christensen EF. Pediatric Emergencies in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services: A National Population-Based Cohort Study From Denmark. Ann Emerg Med 2022; 80:143-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2022.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Tracheal Tube Misplacement after Emergency Intubation in Pediatric Trauma Patients: A Retrospective, Exploratory Study. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9020289. [PMID: 35205009 PMCID: PMC8870798 DOI: 10.3390/children9020289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inadvertent tracheal tube misplacement and particularly endobronchial intubation are well-known complications of emergency endotracheal intubation (ETI) in pediatric trauma patients, which require repositioning of the tube to avoid impairment of gas exchange. The main aim of study was to identify the frequency of tube misplacement and associated factors of pediatric trauma patients who received ETI either by prehospital physician-staffed emergency medical service (EMS), or at emergency department (ED) admission to a single level-1 trauma center. Sixty-five patients (median age 14 years and median injury severity score 29) were included. Of these, 30 underwent helicopter EMS ETI, 29 ground EMS ETI, and 6 ED ETI. Seventeen cases (26%) of tracheal tube misplacement were recognized. After multivariable analysis, tracheal tube misplacement was independently negatively associated with body weight (OR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76–0.99; p = 0.032) and helicopter EMS ETI (OR 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04–0.97; p = 0.036). Two of nineteen patients received tube thoracostomy due to endobronchial intubation. Mortality and length of stay were comparable in patients with misplaced tubes and correctly placed tubes. The results suggest that particularly small children require attention to avoid tracheal tube misplacement, which emphasizes the need for special training. Helicopter EMS physicians’ expertise might be beneficial in prehospital pediatric trauma patients requiring advanced airway management.
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El-Swaify ST, Refaat MA, Ali SH, Abdelrazek AEM, Beshay PW, Kamel M, Bahaa B, Amir A, Basha AK. Controversies and evidence gaps in the early management of severe traumatic brain injury: back to the ABCs. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open 2022; 7:e000859. [PMID: 35071780 PMCID: PMC8734008 DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2021-000859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for around 30% of all trauma-related deaths. Over the past 40 years, TBI has remained a major cause of mortality after trauma. The primary injury caused by the injurious mechanical force leads to irreversible damage to brain tissue. The potentially preventable secondary injury can be accentuated by addressing systemic insults. Early recognition and prompt intervention are integral to achieve better outcomes. Consequently, surgeons still need to be aware of the basic yet integral emergency management strategies for severe TBI (sTBI). In this narrative review, we outlined some of the controversies in the early care of sTBI that have not been settled by the publication of the Brain Trauma Foundation’s 4th edition guidelines in 2017. The topics covered included the following: mode of prehospital transport, maintaining airway patency while securing the cervical spine, achieving adequate ventilation, and optimizing circulatory physiology. We discuss fluid resuscitation and blood product transfusion as components of improving circulatory mechanics and oxygen delivery to injured brain tissue. An outline of evidence-based antiplatelet and anticoagulant reversal strategies is discussed in the review. In addition, the current evidence as well as the evidence gaps for using tranexamic acid in sTBI are briefly reviewed. A brief note on the controversial emergency surgical interventions for sTBI is included. Clinicians should be aware of the latest evidence for sTBI. Periods between different editions of guidelines can have an abundance of new literature that can influence patient care. The recent advances included in this review should be considered both for formulating future guidelines for the management of sTBI and for designing future clinical studies in domains with clinical equipoise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mazen A Refaat
- Department of surgery, Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara H Ali
- Department of surgery, Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Menna Kamel
- Department of surgery, Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Bassem Bahaa
- Department of surgery, Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman Amir
- Department of surgery, Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Kamel Basha
- Department of neurosurgery, Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
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Colbachini PCM, Marson FAL, Peixoto AO, Sarti L, Fraga AMA. Air Rescue for Pediatric Trauma in a Metropolitan Region of Brazil: Profiles, Outcomes, and Overtriage Rates. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:890405. [PMID: 35722501 PMCID: PMC9201391 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.890405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides ensuring a quick response and transport of trauma victims, helicopter support also involves risks to patients and professionals and has higher operational costs. Studying prehospital triage criteria and their relationship with patient overtriage and outcomes is important, particularly in newly established services and in developing countries with limited health budgets. This could help improve the use of the helicopter rescue and provide better management of the costs and risks related to it. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiologic and severity profiles of pediatric victims of trauma attended by helicopter in a Brazilian Metropolitan Area to evaluate the outcomes and overtriage rates related to pediatric air rescue in the region. We conducted an observational and retrospective study using 49 hospital and prehospital records from victims of trauma aged <18 years old (yo) assisted by helicopter and then transferred to a tertiary University Hospital. Of the 49 patients, 39 (79.6%) individuals were male, and the mean age was 11.3 yo. Vehicular collisions accounted for 15 (30.6%) of the traumas, and traumatic brain injuries occurred in 28 (57.1%) cases. A total of 29 (59.1%) individuals had severe trauma (Injury Severity Score; ISS >15), and 34 (69.4%) required admission to the intensive care unit. Overtriage varied from 18.4 to 40.8% depending on the criteria used for its definition, being more frequent in individuals aged between 1 and 5 yo. Death occurred in 10 (20.4%) patients. On prehospital evaluation, we classified 29/32 (90.6%) patients with severe trauma according to the Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS ≤8) and 18/25 (72%) according to the Revised Trauma Score (RTS ≤11). Of these, 7/29 (24.1%) and 6/18 (33.3%), respectively, presented ISS <15 at in-hospital evaluation. None of the patients with PTS >8 and 3/7 (42.8%) of those with RTS >11 presented ISS >15. In conclusion, air rescue of pediatric trauma victims was used mainly for critically ill individuals, resulting in rates of overtriage compatible with that found in the literature. PTS showed the lowest rates of overtriage within excellent rates of undertriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo C M Colbachini
- Postgraduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fernando A L Marson
- Postgraduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Department, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Andressa O Peixoto
- Postgraduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Luisa Sarti
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Clinical Hospital of University of Campinas, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Andrea M A Fraga
- Postgraduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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Duffens A, Grigorian A, de Virgilio C, Chin T, Kim D, Lekawa M, Schubl SD, Nahmias J. Association of Risk of Mortality in Pediatric Patients Transferred From Scene by Helicopter With Major But Not Minor Injuries. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:e287-e291. [PMID: 33105460 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) are used for 16% of pediatric trauma. National HEMS guidelines advised that triage criteria be standardized for pediatric patients. A national report found pediatric HEMS associated with decreased mortality compared with ground emergency medical services (GEMS) but did not control for transport time. We hypothesized that the rate of HEMS has decreased nationally and the mortality risk for HEMS to be similar when adjusting for transport time compared with GEMS. METHODS The Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2014-2016) was queried for patients younger than 16 years transported by HEMS or GEMS. A multivariable logistic regression was used. RESULTS From 25,647 patients, 4527 (17.7%) underwent HEMS. The rate of HEMS from scene decreased from 21.2% in 2014 to 18.2% in 2016. The rate of HEMS for minor trauma (Injury Severity Score <15) decreased from 14.9% in 2014 to 13.5% in 2016 and major trauma (Injury Severity Score > 15) from 38.4% in 2014 to 35.9% in 2016. After controlling for predictors of mortality and transport time, HEMS was associated with decreased risk of mortality for only those with major injuries transferred from scene (odds ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.88; P = 0.01) compared with GEMS. CONCLUSIONS The rate of HEMS in pediatric trauma has decreased. However, there is room for improvement as 14% of those with minor trauma are transported by HEMS. Given the similar risk of mortality compared with GEMS, further development of guidelines that avoid the unnecessary use of HEMS appears warranted. However, utilization of HEMS for transport of pediatric major trauma should continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Duffens
- From the Division of Trauma, Burns and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange
| | - Areg Grigorian
- From the Division of Trauma, Burns and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange
| | | | - Theresa Chin
- From the Division of Trauma, Burns and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange
| | - Dennis Kim
- Department of Surgery, Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles, Torrance, CA
| | - Michael Lekawa
- From the Division of Trauma, Burns and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange
| | - Sebastian D Schubl
- From the Division of Trauma, Burns and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange
| | - Jeffry Nahmias
- From the Division of Trauma, Burns and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange
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Hosomi S, Kitamura T, Sobue T, Nakagawa Y, Ogura H, Shimazu T. Association of Pre-Hospital Helicopter Transport with Reduced Mortality in Traumatic Brain Injury in Japan: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study. J Neurotrauma 2021; 39:76-85. [PMID: 34779275 PMCID: PMC8785714 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are severely injured patients who require timely, efficient, and specialized care. The effectiveness of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) for patients with TBI remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the mortality of patients with TBI transported by HEMS and ground ambulance using propensity score-matching analysis, and to analyze the effects of HEMS in various subpopulations. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Japan Trauma Data Bank. The study period was from January 2004 to December 2018. The participants were divided into two groups: the helicopter group (patients transported by HEMS) and ground group (patients transported by ground ambulance). The principal outcome was death at hospital discharge. In total, 58,532 patients were eligible for analysis (ground group, n = 54,820 [93.7%]; helicopter group, n = 3712 [6.3%]). Helicopter transport decreased patient mortality at hospital discharge (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-0.92). In propensity score-matched patients, the proportion of deaths at hospital discharge was lower in the helicopter (18.76%) than in the ground (21.21%) group (crude OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.96). The mortality rate in the helicopter group was significantly reduced in many subpopulations, especially in cases of severe TBI with a decreased level of consciousness or higher Injury Severity Score (ISS; Japan Coma Scale score 2 [adjusted OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.45-0.80] and ISS ≥50 [adjusted OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.48-0.99]). Although the study design was non-randomized, our findings in patients with TBI showed that HEMS conferred a mortality benefit over ground ambulance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanae Hosomi
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuhisa Kitamura
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Sobue
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuko Nakagawa
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ogura
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Shimazu
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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11
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Svantner J, Dolci M, Heim C, Schoettker P. Pediatric Trauma: Six Years of Experience in a Swiss Trauma Center. Pediatr Emerg Care 2021; 37:e1133-e1138. [PMID: 31842199 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to provide an internationally comparable overview of pediatric trauma of the University Hospital of Lausanne to improve the care of children. METHODS We analyzed the data from all injured children (<16 years of age) listed in our trauma registry from 2011 to 2016. These children were admitted to the resuscitation room after prehospital triage. Our data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS We included 327 children. Sixty-three percent were male, and the median age was 8 years. Severe trauma (Injury Severity Score (ISS), >15) occurred in 97 children. The principal mechanisms of injury were falls (45%), traffic accidents (29%), and burns (14%). The most frequently affected areas were the head and external body regions. Intensive care admissions amounted to 27%. Twenty percent of patients underwent immediate surgery (wound care, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery). The overall mortality rate was 5.5%, with a median ISS of 9. The mortality of severe trauma was 17.5%, with a median ISS of 22. Half of the children died within 6 hours. The main causes of death were falls from greater than 5 m and traffic accidents as pedestrians. CONCLUSIONS The demographics and patterns of injury in the pediatric trauma population are similar to other European pediatric trauma centers, but the mortality and the severity of injuries can vary (United Kingdom, 3.7%, median ISS of 9; Denmark, 7.3%, median ISS of 9; and Germany, 13.4%, median ISS of 25). The elevated early mortality rate suggests that improvements in prehospital care and early resuscitation could decrease mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianna Svantner
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Pediatric Anesthesia Unit, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Ishiyama M, Kurita T, Takasaki A, Takamura T, Masuda J, Ishikura K, Seko T, Setsuda M, Kasai A, Imai H, Dohi K. Impact of Helicopter Transport on Reperfusion Times and Long-Term Outcomes in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients in Rural Areas: A Report From the Mie Acute Coronary Syndrome Registry. Air Med J 2021; 40:337-343. [PMID: 34535242 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) are effective for time-sensitive conditions, such as stroke and trauma. However, prognostic data on helicopter transport for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients are insufficient. METHODS We registered 2,681 AMI patients in the Mie Acute Coronary Syndrome Registry and enrolled 163 patients from rural areas to HEMS base hospitals with HEMS or ground emergency medical services (GEMS). They were categorized into 4 groups according to the transportation method for interhospital transfer (direct HEMS: n = 52, direct GEMS: n = 54, interhospital HEMS: n = 32, and interhospital GEMS: n = 25). The primary end point was the emergency medical services (EMS) call-to-balloon time. The secondary end point was 2-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. RESULTS The direct HEMS group was younger than the direct GEMS group (P = .029). The EMS call-to-balloon time was shorter in the direct HEMS and interhospital HEMS groups than in each GEMS group (P = .015 and P = .046). The incidence of 2-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events tended to be lower in both HEMS groups than in each GEMS group. CONCLUSION Direct HEMS for AMI in rural areas shortens the time from the EMS call to reperfusion when the transport distance is expected to exceed 30 km, which may result in a better patient prognosis. In addition, prehospital diagnostic modalities, such as 12-lead electrocardiography and echocardiography, may shorten the duration from the EMS call to reperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Ishiyama
- Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Tairo Kurita
- Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan.
| | - Akihiro Takasaki
- Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Takeshi Takamura
- Department of Cardiology, Ise Red Cross Hospital, Ise, Mie, Japan
| | - Jun Masuda
- Department of Cardiology, Mie Prefectural General Medical Center, Yokkaichi, Mie, Japan
| | - Ken Ishikura
- Emergency Critical Care Center, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Seko
- Department of Cardiology, Ise Red Cross Hospital, Ise, Mie, Japan
| | - Morimichi Setsuda
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Ise Red Cross Hospital, Ise, Mie, Japan
| | - Atsunobu Kasai
- Department of Cardiology, Ise Red Cross Hospital, Ise, Mie, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Imai
- Emergency Critical Care Center, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Kaoru Dohi
- Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
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Enomoto Y, Tsuchiya A, Tsutsumi Y, Kikuchi H, Ishigami K, Osone J, Togo M, Yasuda S, Inoue Y. Characteristics of Children Cared for by a Physician-Staffed Helicopter Emergency Medical Service. Pediatr Emerg Care 2021; 37:365-370. [PMID: 30211837 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The effectiveness of Japanese helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and interventions at the scene is not clear as regard children. For effective use of HEMS at the clinical scene, we need to clarify the characteristics of pediatric patients cared for by HEMS. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of pediatric scene flights and to describe the procedures performed on the patients. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study based on the database for children aged younger than 18 years who were cared for by physician-staffed HEMS of Ibaraki prefecture, in Japan. We reviewed the database for air medical transports conducted at our institution from July 2010 to December 2016. RESULTS During the 6.5-year period, the Ibaraki HEMS attended to 288 children. The median age of the children was 11 (interquartile range, 5-14) years. Of the total, 196 (68.1%) of the children had trauma-related injuries. The head was the most common site of significant injuries (12.4%). The most common cause of nontrauma incidents was seizure (9.0%). In 65.9% of the patients, the injury or illness was of mild or moderate severity at the scene. An intervention was applied at the scene in 76.0% of the cases: 75.1%, intravenous route; 6.9%, intubation; and 13.4%, drug administration. Of those patients, 29.1% were discharged from the emergency department. In-hospital mortality accounted for 1.5% (n = 2) of the cases. CONCLUSIONS Although the condition at the scene of most of the pediatric patients transported by the physician-staffed HEMS was not severe, an intervention was frequently applied from the scene. Improving the dispatch criteria and monitoring compliance are needed for appropriate use of HEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yusuke Tsutsumi
- From the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center
| | - Hitoshi Kikuchi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Mito Saiseikai General Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Koji Ishigami
- From the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center
| | - Junpei Osone
- From the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center
| | - Masahito Togo
- From the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center
| | - Susumu Yasuda
- From the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center
| | - Yoshiaki Inoue
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tsukuba University Hospital, Ibaraki
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Choi PM, Fraser J, Briggs KB, Dekonenko C, Aguayo P, Juang D. Air transportation over-utilization in pediatric trauma patients. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:1035-1038. [PMID: 33008637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air transportation can be a life-saving transfer modality for trauma patients. However, it is also costly and carries risk for air-crews and patients. We sought to examine the incidence of air transportation among pediatric trauma patients as well as the rate of over-triage in utilizing this intervention. METHODS We conducted a single-institution retrospective review of all pediatric trauma patients who utilized air transportation, either from scene to hospital or hospital to hospital Emergency Department (ED) transfers, between 2013 and 2018. RESULTS There were 348 pediatric trauma patients who utilized air transport. More than half of all patients (n = 186, 55.9%) were discharged from the hospital within 48 h, 121 (36.3%) were discharged within 24 h, and 34 (10.2%) were discharged home from the ED. The mean ISS was 11.2 ± 0.5 while only 31% had an ISS ≥15. There were 97 patients (27.9%) with elevated age adjusted shock index, and 101 patients (29.0%) who required time sensitive interventions. More than half of patients (59.3%) were initially taken to an outside hospital (OSH) and were then transferred to our facility by air while 40.4% were transported directly from scene to our institution by air. Patients who were transferred from an OSH were younger (6.8 ± 0.4 vs 11.2 ± 0.4, p < 0.01) and had a higher incidence of an elevated age-adjusted shock index (32.4% vs 19.1%, p = 0.006) as well as mortality (6.3% vs 1.4%, p = 0.03). However, ultimately there were no differences in ISS, rates of operative intervention, PICU utilization, or time sensitive intervention. Both groups had similarly high rates of discharge within 48 h, 24 h, and from the ED. CONCLUSIONS Air transportation among pediatric trauma patients from scene to hospital and hospital to hospital is over-utilized based on multiple metrics including low rates of ISS ≥15, elevated age-adjusted shock indexes, low rates of time sensitive intervention, as well as high rates of discharge within 24 and 48 h. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III TYPE OF STUDY: Clinical Research-retrospective review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela M Choi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108; LCDR, US Navy, Navy Medicine Professional Development Center, Bethesda, MD 20889
| | - James Fraser
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108
| | - Kayla B Briggs
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108
| | - Charlene Dekonenko
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108
| | - Pablo Aguayo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108
| | - David Juang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108.
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Helicopter Emergency Medical Service and Hospital Treatment Levels Affect Survival in Pediatric Trauma Patients. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040837. [PMID: 33670679 PMCID: PMC7922049 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Data on the effects of helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) transport and treatment on the survival of severely injured pediatric patients in high-level trauma centers remain unclear. (2) Methods: A national dataset from the TraumaRegister DGU® was used to retrospectively compare the mortality rates among severely injured pediatric patients (1–15 years) who were transported by HEMS to those transported by ground emergency medical service (GEMS) and treated at trauma centers of different treatment levels (levels I–III). (3) Results: In total, 2755 pediatric trauma patients (age: 9.0 ± 4.8 years) were included in this study over five years. Transportation by HEMS resulted in a significant survival benefit compared to GEMS (odds ratio (OR) 0.489; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.282–0.850). Pediatric trauma patients treated in level II or III trauma centers showed 34% and fourfold higher in-hospital mortality risk than those in level I trauma centers (level II: OR 1.34, 95% CI: 0.70–2.56; level III: OR 4.63, 95% CI: 1.33–16.09). (4) Conclusions: In our national pediatric trauma cohort, both HEMS transportation and treatment in level I trauma centers were independent factors of improved survival in pediatric trauma patients.
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Oude Alink MB, Moors XRJ, Karrar S, Houmes RJ, Hartog DD, Stolker RJ. Characteristics, management and outcome of prehospital pediatric emergencies by a Dutch HEMS. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2021; 48:989-998. [PMID: 33543366 PMCID: PMC9001565 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-020-01579-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background In prehospital care, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) can be dispatched for critically injured or ill children. However, little detail is known about dispatches for children, in terms of the incidence of prehospital interventions and overall mortality. The primary objective of this study is to provide an overview of pediatric patient characteristics and incidence of interventions. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients ≤ 17 years who received medical care by Rotterdam HEMS from 2012 until 2017 was carried out. Results During the study period, 1905 pediatric patients were included. 59.1% of patients were male and mean age was 6.1 years with 53.2% of patients aged ≤ 3 years. 53.6% were traumatic patients and 49.7% were non-traumatic patients. 18.8% of patients were intubated. Surgical procedures were performed in 0.9%. Medication was administered in 58.1% of patients. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was necessary in 12.9% of patients, 19.9% were admitted to the intensive care unit and 14.0% needed mechanical ventilation. Overall mortality was 9.5%. Mortality in trauma patients was 5.5% and in non-trauma group 15.3%. 3.9% of patients died at the scene. Conclusions Patients attended by HEMS are at high risk of prehospital interventions like CPR or intubation. EMS has little exposure to critically ill or injured children. Hence, HEMS expertise is required to perform critical procedures. Trauma patients had higher survival rates than non-traumatic patients. This may be explained by underlying illnesses in non-traumatic patients and CPR as reason for dispatch. Further research is needed to identify options for improving prehospital care in the non trauma pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Berdien Oude Alink
- Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Xavier Roland Johnny Moors
- Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,HEMS, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Senned Karrar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Jan Houmes
- HEMS, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Intensive Care and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Den Hartog
- Department of Surgery-Traumatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Jan Stolker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Shinozaki RM, Schwingshackl A, Srivastava N, Grogan T, Kelly RB. Pediatric interfacility transport effects on mortality and length of stay. World J Pediatr 2021; 17:400-408. [PMID: 34319538 PMCID: PMC8363522 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-021-00445-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the effects of interfacility pediatric critical care transport response time, physician presence during transport, and mode of transport on mortality and length of stay (LOS) among pediatric patients. We hypothesized that a shorter response time and helicopter transports, but not physician presence, are associated with lower mortality and a shorter LOS. METHODS Retrospective, single-center, cohort study of 841 patients (< 19 years) transported to a quaternary pediatric intensive care unit and cardiovascular intensive care unit between 2014 and 2018 utilizing patient charts and transport records. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, diagnosis, mode of transport, response time, stabilization time, return duration, mortality risk (pediatric index of mortality-2 and pediatric risk of mortality-3), and inotrope, vasopressor, or mechanical ventilation presence on admission. RESULTS Four hundred and twenty-eight (50.9%) patients were transported by helicopter, and 413 (49.1%) were transported by ambulance. Physicians accompanied 239 (28.4%) transports. The median response time was 2.0 (interquartile range 1.4-2.9) hours. Although physician presence increased the median response time by 0.26 hours (P = 0.020), neither physician presence nor response time significantly affected mortality, ICU length of stay (ILOS) or hospital length of stay (HLOS). Helicopter transports were not significantly associated with mortality or ILOS, but were associated with a longer HLOS (3.24 days, 95% confidence interval 0.59-5.90) than ambulance transports (P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest response time and physician presence do not significantly affect mortality or LOS. This may reflect the quality of pre-transport care and medical control communication. Helicopter transports were only associated with a longer HLOS. Our analysis provides a framework for examining transport workforce needs and associated costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rod M. Shinozaki
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Andreas Schwingshackl
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Neeraj Srivastava
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Tristan Grogan
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Robert B. Kelly
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA USA ,grid.414164.20000 0004 0442 4003Children’s Hospital of Orange County, 1201 West La Veta Avenue, Orange, CA 92868 USA
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Comparative Study on the Outcome of Stroke Patients Transferred by Doctor Helicopters and Ground Ambulances in South Korea: A Retrospective Controlled Study. Emerg Med Int 2020; 2020:8493289. [PMID: 33224530 PMCID: PMC7670300 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8493289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) for its economic operations in South Korea. This study targeted stroke patients who were transported via HEMS or ground emergency medical services (GEMS) from the scene of an accident to a regional emergency medical center. From this patient population, stroke patients who traveled at least 50 km from the scene of the cerebral infarction to the hospital with analyzable outcome data were extracted and included in this study. This study included 26 HEMS and 102 GEMS stroke patients from a pool of 183 potential patients. The survival-to-discharge rate of patients transported via HEMS (96.2%; 25/26) was significantly higher than that of patients transported via GEMS (83.2%; 104/128) (P=0.001). The HEMS transfer was quicker with respect to the decision-making process because the emergency physician actively evaluates and communicates on-site and during in-transit travel to request an appointment immediately upon arrival at the emergency room. These results indicate that using HEMS increased discharge and survival rates and reduced in-hospital mortality of HEMS of stroke patients with a reduced admission time. This result association leads to reasonable cost-effectiveness and efficient estimates overall. In conclusion, HEMS indicate reduced time taken for stroke patients to be hospitalized and treated and decreased mortality after 24 hours. According to this result, HEMS transport can be more effective than GEMS in long-distance delivery of stroke patients.
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Enomoto Y, Tsuchiya A, Tsutsumi Y, Ishigami K, Osone J, Togo M, Yasuda S, Inoue Y. Association between physician-staffed helicopter versus ground emergency medical services and mortality for pediatric trauma patients: A retrospective nationwide cohort study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237192. [PMID: 32785294 PMCID: PMC7423096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Helicopter emergency medical services’ (HEMS) effectiveness for pediatric trauma patients remains unclear. We aimed to examine the relation between HEMS and reduced mortality in pediatric trauma patients. Methods This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the Japan Trauma Data Bank, a national multicenter clinical trauma database. Participants were aged <18 years, admitted between 2004 and 2015, and transported from the scene to the hospital by HEMS or ground emergency medical services (GEMS). We used a standardized mortality ratio (SMR) weight method, and fitted a marginal structural model to adjust for measured confounders. The SMR weight was calculated using the estimation of the propensity scores. A logistic regression model was used with the baseline independent variables to estimate the propensity score. Results Overall, 5,947 patients were identified in our study: 453 were transported by HEMS and 5,494 by GEMS. The mean injury severity score in the HEMS group was significantly higher than that in the GEMS group17.0 (Standard deviation = 11.0) vs 12.2 (Standard deviation = 9.2), p < .001. In-hospital mortality was higher in the HEMS group than that in the GEMS group in the unadjusted analysis (3.8% vs 1.3%, respectively; p < .001). After adjusting for covariates, HEMS transport was not associated with reduced hospital mortality. (odds ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.42–1.58). Conclusions HEMS was not associated with reduced mortality among pediatric trauma patients compared with GEMS in this nationwide study. Further investigation is necessary to determine who clearly benefits from HEMS as compared to GEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Enomoto
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center, Ibaraki, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Asuka Tsuchiya
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Tsutsumi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Koji Ishigami
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Junpei Osone
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masahito Togo
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Susumu Yasuda
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Hospital Organization Mito Medical Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Inoue
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Helicopter transport in pediatric trauma: A new methodology using Need for Surgeon Presence to evaluate the necessity of air transport. Am J Surg 2020; 220:464-467. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2019.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Muguruma T, Toida C, Gakumazawa M, Yogo N, Shinohara M, Takeuchi I. Effects of establishing a trauma center on the mortality rate among injured pediatric patients in Japan. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217140. [PMID: 31121009 PMCID: PMC6532880 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction It remains unclear whether trauma centers are effective for the treatment of injured pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate children’s mortality before and after the establishment a trauma center by using standard mortality ratios (SMR) and a modified observed-expected chart. Methods This was a single center, retrospective chart review study that included injured pediatric patients (age <16 years) who were transported to our trauma center by the emergency medical services from 2012 to 2016 in Japan. Results Our study included 143 subjects: 45 (31%) were preschoolers aged < 6 years, and 43 (30%) had an injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16. After the trauma centers established, the number of patients increased (70% increase per month), as did the number of the patients with an ISS of 41–75. The percentage of indirect transportations was significantly higher in the trauma center than in the non-trauma center (49% vs. 28%; p < 0.05). The SMR was significantly lower in the trauma-center than in the non-trauma center (0.461 vs. 0.589; p < 0.05). The mean value of the modified observed-expected chart was significantly higher in the trauma-center than in the non-trauma center (4.6 vs. 2.3; p < 0.05). For the patients who were directly transferred to our center, the transfer distance was greater in the trauma-center than in the non-trauma center (6.8 vs. 6.2 km; p < 0.05). The time interval from hospital admission to initiation of computed tomography (15.5 vs. 33 minutes; p < 0.05) and to definitive care (44 vs. 64.5 minutes; p < 0.05) decreased in the after group compared to the non-trauma center. Conclusions The results of our study revealed that the centralization of pediatric injured pediatric patients in trauma centers improved the mortality rate in this population in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Muguruma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Chiaki Toida
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Masayasu Gakumazawa
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Naoki Yogo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mafumi Shinohara
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takeuchi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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Moors XRJ, Van Lieshout EMM, Verhofstad MHJ, Stolker RJ, Den Hartog D. A Physician-Based Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Was Associated With an Additional 2.5 Lives Saved per 100 Dispatches of Severely Injured Pediatric Patients. Air Med J 2019; 38:289-293. [PMID: 31248540 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Physician-based helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) provide specialist medical care to the accident scene in order to improve the survival of severely injured patients. Studies that focus on the role of physician-based HEMS in pediatric trauma are scarce. The aim of this retrospective, observational study was to determine the effect of physician-based HEMS assistance on the survival of severely injured pediatric patients. METHODS All consecutive severely injured pediatric patients (age < 18 years and Injury Severity Score > 15) treated between October 1, 2000, and February 28, 2013, were included. The survival of patients who received medical care of physician-based HEMS was compared with the survival of patients treated by an ambulance paramedic crew (ie, emergency medical services group) only. A regression model was developed for calculating the survival benefit in the physician-based HEMS group. RESULTS A total of 308 patients were included; 112 (36%) were primarily treated by emergency medical services, and 196 (64%) patients received additional physician-based HEMS assistance on scene. The model with the best diagnostic properties and fit contained physician-based HEMS assistance, 3 components of the Glasgow Coma Scale (eye, motor, and verbal) scored prehospitally (before intubation), ordinal values for the Injury Severity Scale, systolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate. This model predicted that 5 additional patients survived because of physician-based HEMS assistance. This corresponds with 2.5 additional lives saved per 100 physician-based HEMS dispatches for severely injured pediatric patients. CONCLUSION The data suggest that an additional 2.5 lives might be saved per 100 physician-based HEMS dispatches for severely injured pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier R J Moors
- Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Esther M M Van Lieshout
- Trauma Research Unit Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael H J Verhofstad
- Trauma Research Unit Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Jan Stolker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Den Hartog
- Trauma Research Unit Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Greer JW, Reif R, Karim S, Beck WC, Bhavaraju A, Davis B, Taylor JR, Sexton KW. Is It Safe to Fly Patients with Penetrating Trauma in a Rural State? J Surg Res 2019; 235:16-21. [PMID: 30691789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited data pertaining to the triage and transportation of patients with penetrating trauma in rural states. Large urban trauma centers have found rapid transport to be beneficial even when done by nonemergency medical staff. However, there is limited application to a rural state with only a single level 1 trauma center. MATERIALS AND METHODS This a retrospective observational study of 854 trauma patients transported by helicopter emergency services between 2009 and 2015 to the state's only level 1 trauma center. RESULTS After excluding patients with other injuries or lack of data, 854 patients underwent final analysis. Compared with penetrating trauma, blunt trauma had a significantly different chance of survival (92.0% versus 81.2%, P = 0.002) and a significantly different injury severity score (17 ± 12 versus 12 ± 9, P = 0.002). After controlling for blunt injuries, age, gender, injury severity score, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, glasgow coma scale, and dispatch to hospital arrival time in multivariate analysis, blunt trauma had higher odds of survival than penetrating trauma (OR, 5.97; 95% CI, 2.52-14.12; P = <0.001 = 1). Gender, tachycardia, tachypnea, and dispatch to arrival time did not impact a patient's likelihood of survival. CONCLUSIONS Penetrating trauma has a higher mortality when compared with blunt trauma in Helicopter Emergency Services transported patients in a rural state. Perhaps a new algorithm in the management of penetrating trauma would include hemorrhage control at a locoregional hospital before definitive care. Further study is required to understand the exact variables that lead to a higher mortality in penetrating trauma in a rural state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan W Greer
- General Surgery Resident, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Rebecca Reif
- MHA College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Saleema Karim
- College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - William C Beck
- Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Avi Bhavaraju
- Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Ben Davis
- Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - John R Taylor
- Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Kevin W Sexton
- Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
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Elswick CM, Wyrick D, Gurien LA, Rettiganti M, Gowen M, Pownall A, Bahgat D, Maxson RT, Öcal E, Albert GW. Resource utilization and indications for helicopter transport of head-injured children. J Pediatr Surg 2018; 53:1795-1799. [PMID: 29792280 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) have provided benefit for severely injured patients. However, HEMS are likely overused for the transportation of both adult and pediatric trauma patients. In this study, we aim to evaluate the degree of overuse of helicopter as a mode of transport for head-injured children. In addition, we propose criteria that can be used to determine if a particular patient is suitable for air versus ground transport. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified patients who were transported to our facility for head injuries. We included only those patients who were transported from another facility and who were seen by the neurosurgical service. We recorded a number of data points including age, gender, race, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), and intubation status. We also collected data on a number of imaging findings such as mass effect, edema, intracranial hemorrhage, and skull fractures. Patients undergoing emergent nonneurosurgical intervention were excluded. RESULTS Of the 373 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 116 (31.1%) underwent a neurosurgical procedure or died and were deemed appropriate for helicopter transport. The remaining 68.9% of patients survived their injuries without neurosurgical intervention and were deemed nonappropriate for helicopter transport. Multivariable logistic regression identified GCS 3-8 and/or presence of mass effect, edema, epidural hematoma (EDH), and open-depressed skull fracture as appropriate indications for helicopter transport. CONCLUSIONS The majority of patients transported to our facility by helicopter survived their head injury without need for neurosurgical intervention. Only those patients meeting clinical (GCS 3-8) or radiographic (mass effect, edema, EDH, open-depressed skull fracture) criteria should be transported by air. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III (Diagnostic Study).
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Affiliation(s)
- Clay M Elswick
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Deidre Wyrick
- Division of Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital and Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Lori A Gurien
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Malik Rettiganti
- Biostatics Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Marie Gowen
- Biostatics Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Ambre' Pownall
- Division of Neurosurgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Diaa Bahgat
- Division of Neurosurgery, John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - R Todd Maxson
- Division of Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital and Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Eylem Öcal
- Division of Neurosurgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Gregory W Albert
- Division of Neurosurgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR.
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Starnes AB, Oluborode B, Knoles C, Burns B, McGinnis H, Stewart K. Direct Air Versus Ground Transport Predictors for Rural Pediatric Trauma. Air Med J 2018; 37:165-169. [PMID: 29735228 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Traumatic injury is the leading cause of mortality in children and the most common cause of emergency medical services transport in pediatric populations. We aimed to identify what factors are currently associated with selection for helicopter transport (HEMS) over ground ambulance (GEMS) in a primarily rural state. METHODS We performed a retrospective case-control study of trauma patients younger than 18 years old reported to the Oklahoma State Trauma Registry between 2005 and 2014 who received direct transport from the scene of injury to a tertiary trauma center within the state. Factors associated with HEMS transport over GEMS were identified by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS Of the 1,700 patients in the study group, 50.8% were transported by HEMS. Increased distance (odds ratio [OR] = 6.1-18.6), lower Glasgow Coma Scale (OR = 2.5), multisystem injury (OR = 1.5), intubation (OR = 2.7), motor vehicle collision-related injuries (OR = 2.1), and elevated heart rate (OR = 1.8) were all associated with increased odds of HEMS transport, with distance being the strongest factor. CONCLUSION This study found that the principal determinants of triage to HEMS transport in the case of pediatric trauma in a rural state were primarily distance to a major trauma center and clinical factors relating to the type and severity of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Curtis Knoles
- University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK
| | - Boyd Burns
- University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK
| | | | - Kenneth Stewart
- University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK
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Zhu TH, Hollister L, Opoku D, Galvagno SM, Shah MN. Improved Survival for Rural Trauma Patients Transported by Helicopter to a Verified Trauma Center: A Propensity Score Analysis. Acad Emerg Med 2018; 25:44-53. [PMID: 28898557 PMCID: PMC5813265 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent studies using advanced statistical methods to control for confounders have demonstrated an association between helicopter transport (HT) versus ground ambulance transport (GT) in terms of improved survival for adult trauma patients. The aim of this study was to apply a methodologically vigorous approach to determine if HT is associated with a survival benefit for when trauma patients are transported to a verified trauma center in a rural setting. METHODS The ascertainment of trauma patients age ≥ 15 years (n = 469 cases) by HT and (n = 580 cases) by GT between 1999 and 2012 was restricted to the scene of injury in a rural area of 10 to 35 miles from the trauma center. The propensity score (PS) was determined using data including demographics, prehospital physiology, intubation, total prehospital time, and injury severity. The PS matching was performed with different calipers to select a higher percentage of matches of HT compared to GT patients. The outcome of interest was survival to discharge from hospital. Identical logistic regression analysis was done taking into account for each matched design to select an appropriate effect estimate and confidence interval (CI) controlling for initial vital signs in the emergency department, the need for urgent surgery, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation. RESULTS Unadjusted mortalities for HT compared to GT were 7.7 and 5.3%, respectively (p > 0.05). The adjusted rates were 4.0% for HT and 7.6% for GT (p < 0.05). In a PS well-matched data set, HT was associated with a 2.69-fold increase in odds of survival compared to GT patients (adjusted odds ratio = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.21-5.97). CONCLUSIONS In a rural setting, we demonstrated improved survival associated with HT compared to GT for scene transportation of adult trauma patients to a verified Level II trauma center using an advanced methodologic approach, which included adjustment for transport distance. The implication of survival benefit to rural population is discussed. We recommend larger studies with multiple trauma systems need to be repeated using similar study methodology to substantiate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thein Hlaing Zhu
- Department of Trauma Services and Acute Care SurgeryParkview Adult and Pediatric Level II Trauma CenterParkview Regional Medical CenterFort WayneIN
| | - Lisa Hollister
- Department of Trauma Services and Acute Care SurgeryParkview Adult and Pediatric Level II Trauma CenterParkview Regional Medical CenterFort WayneIN
| | - Dazar Opoku
- Department of Trauma Services and Acute Care SurgeryParkview Adult and Pediatric Level II Trauma CenterParkview Regional Medical CenterFort WayneIN
| | - Samuel M. Galvagno
- Department of Anesthesiology and the Program in Trauma, R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma CenterUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMD
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Thomas SH, Blumen I. Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Literature 2014 to 2016: Lessons and Perspectives, Part 1-Helicopter Transport for Trauma. Air Med J 2018; 37:54-63. [PMID: 29332779 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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External validation of the Air Medical Prehospital Triage score for identifying trauma patients likely to benefit from scene helicopter transport. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2017; 82:270-279. [PMID: 27906867 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000001326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Air Medical Prehospital Triage (AMPT) score was developed to identify injured patients who may benefit from scene helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) transport. External validation using a different data set is essential to ensure reliable performance. The study objective was to validate the effectiveness of the AMPT score to identify patients with a survival benefit from HEMS using the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcomes Study registry. METHODS Patients 16 years or older undergoing scene HEMS or ground EMS (GEMS) transport in the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcomes Study registry 2000-2013 were included. Patients with 2 or higher AMPT score points were triaged to HEMS, while those with less than 2 points were triaged to GEMS. Multilevel Poisson regression determined the association of survival with actual transport mode across AMPT score triage assignments, adjusting for demographics, mechanism, vital signs, interventions, and injury severity. Successful validation was defined as no survival benefit for actual HEMS transport in patients triaged to GEMS by the AMPT score, with a survival benefit for actual HEMS transport in patients triaged to HEMS by the AMPT score. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients treated by advanced life support providers and patients with transport times longer than 10 minutes. RESULTS There were 222,827 patients included. For patients triaged to GEMS by the AMPT score, actual transport mode was not associated with survival (adjusted relative risk, 1.004; 95% confidence interval, 0.999-1.009; p = 0.08). For patients triaged to HEMS by the AMPT score, actual HEMS transport was associated with a 6.7% increase in the relative probability of survival (adjusted relative risk, 1.067; 95% confidence interval, 1.040-1.083, p < 0.001). Similar results were seen in all subgroups. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to externally validate the AMPT score, demonstrating the ability of this tool to reliably identify trauma patients most likely to benefit from HEMS transport. The AMPT score should be considered when protocols for HEMS scene transport are developed and reviewed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Epidemiologic/prognostic study, level III; therapeutic/care management study, level IV.
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Ohsaka H, Omori K, Takeuchi I, Jitsuiki K, Yoshizawa T, Ishikawa K, Isoda K, Suwa S, Yanagawa Y. Acute Coronary Syndrome Evacuated by a Helicopter From the Scene. Air Med J 2017; 36:179-181. [PMID: 28739239 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety of evacuating patients using a physician-staffed helicopter (Dr. Heli). METHODS We retrospectively investigated all of the patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who were transported by a Dr. Heli between April 2004 and March 2016. The scene group included subjects evacuated from the scene by the Dr. Heli. The interhospital group included subjects transported to a nearby medical facility by a ground ambulance and then transported to our hospital by a Dr. Heli. RESULTS The scene and interhospital groups included 170 subjects and 592 subjects, respectively. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to sex and survival ratios. However, the patients in the scene group were significantly younger than those in the interhospital group. The ratio of prehospital cardiopulmonary arrest in the scene group was significantly higher than in the interhospital group. After excluding subjects who were over 80 years of age, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to age. However, the same tendencies remained. CONCLUSION This result indirectly suggests the safety of using the Dr. Heli to evacuate ACS patients from the scene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromichi Ohsaka
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizouka Hospital, Juntendo University, Shizouka, Japan
| | - Kazuhio Omori
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizouka Hospital, Juntendo University, Shizouka, Japan
| | - Ikuto Takeuchi
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizouka Hospital, Juntendo University, Shizouka, Japan
| | - Kei Jitsuiki
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizouka Hospital, Juntendo University, Shizouka, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yoshizawa
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizouka Hospital, Juntendo University, Shizouka, Japan
| | - Kouhei Ishikawa
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizouka Hospital, Juntendo University, Shizouka, Japan
| | - Kikuo Isoda
- Department of Cardiology, Shizouka Hospital, Juntendo University, Shizouka, Japan
| | - Satoru Suwa
- Department of Cardiology, Shizouka Hospital, Juntendo University, Shizouka, Japan
| | - Youichi Yanagawa
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizouka Hospital, Juntendo University, Shizouka, Japan.
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Englum BR, Rialon KL, Kim J, Shapiro ML, Scarborough JE, Rice HE, Adibe OO, Tracy ET. Current use and outcomes of helicopter transport in pediatric trauma: a review of 18,291 transports. J Pediatr Surg 2017; 52:140-144. [PMID: 27852453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in pediatric trauma remains controversial. We examined its use in pediatric trauma and its effectiveness in children with moderate/severe injuries. METHODS All blunt/penetrating trauma patients ≤18years old in the National Trauma Data Bank were evaluated for use of HEMS and in-hospital mortality. In a comparative effectiveness study, only patients treated at level I/II pediatric centers with injury severity score (ISS)≥9 were included. RESULTS Of 127,489 included patients, 18,291 (14%) arrived via HEMS, compared to 56% by ground ambulance and 29% by private vehicle/walk-in. HEMS patients had more severe injuries (ISS≥25; 28% vs. 14%) and altered mental status (GCS≤8; 29% vs. 11%), but also contained many patients with only minor injuries or no major physiologic derangements. In unadjusted analysis, HEMS was associated with increased mortality (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.4-1.7). However, it had decreased mortality by regression (0.5; 0.4-0.6) and propensity analysis (0.7; 0.6-0.8) to adjust for confounders. CONCLUSION We found multiple indicators for overuse of HEMS, with nearly 40% of children having only minor injuries. In moderate/severe injuries, HEMS is associated with decreased mortality, potentially saving one life for every 47 flights. Research is needed to determine appropriate criteria for helicopter triage. COMPARATIVE STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R Englum
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Kristy L Rialon
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jina Kim
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Mark L Shapiro
- Division of Trauma, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - John E Scarborough
- Division of Trauma, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Henry E Rice
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Obinna O Adibe
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Elisabeth T Tracy
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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Ishikawa K, Omori K, Takeuchi I, Jitsuiki K, Yoshizawa T, Ohsaka H, Nakao Y, Yamamoto T, Yanagawa Y. A comparison between evacuation from the scene and interhospital transportation using a helicopter for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Am J Emerg Med 2016; 35:543-547. [PMID: 27979421 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the changes in the vital signs and the final outcomes subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients who were evacuated from the scene using the doctor-helicopter (Dr. Heli) service and those who only underwent interhospital transportation using the doctor-helicopter Dr. Heli service to investigate safety of this system. METHODS We retrospectively investigated all of the patients with non-traumatic SAH who were transported by a Dr. Heli between January 2010 and March 2016. The subjects were divided into two groups: the Scene group included subjects who were evacuated from the scene by a Dr. Heli, while the Interhospital group included subjects who were transported by a ground ambulance to a nearby medical facility and then transported by a Dr. Heli to a single tertiary center. RESULTS The systolic blood pressure, ratio of cardiac arrest, and Fisher classification values of the patients in the Scene group were significantly greater than those in the Interhospital group. The Glasgow Coma Scale in the Scene group was significantly lower than that in the Interhospital group. After excluding the patients with cardiac arrest, the Glasgow Coma Scale scores of the patients in the two groups did not differ to a statistically significant extent during, before or after transportation. There were no significant differences in Glasgow Outcome Scores or the survival ratio of the two groups, even when cardiac arrest patients were included. CONCLUSION The present study indirectly suggests the safety of using a Dr. Heli to evacuate SAH patients from the scene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouhei Ishikawa
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Omori
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
| | - Ikuto Takeuchi
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
| | - Kei Jitsuiki
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yoshizawa
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Ohsaka
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Nakao
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
| | - Takuji Yamamoto
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan
| | - Youichi Yanagawa
- Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University, Japan.
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Wilcox SR, Ries M, Bouthiller TA, Berry ED, Dowdy TL, DeGrace S. The Importance of Ground Critical Care Transport. J Intensive Care Med 2016; 32:163-169. [PMID: 27625421 DOI: 10.1177/0885066616668484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Critical care transport (CCT) teams are specialized transport services, comprised of highly trained paramedics, nurses, and occasionally respiratory therapists, offering an expanded scope of practice beyond advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical service teams. We report 4 cases of patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome from influenza in need of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation evaluation at a tertiary care center, transported by ground. Our medical center did not previously have a ground CCT service, and therefore, in these cases, a physician and/or a respiratory therapist was sent with the paramedic team. In all 4 cases, the ground transport team enhanced the intensive care provided to these patients prior to arrival at the tertiary care center. In 2 of the cases, although limited by the profound hypoxemia, the team decreased the pressures and tidal volumes in an effort to approach evidence-based ventilator goals. In 3 cases, they stopped bicarbonate drips being used to treat mixed metabolic and respiratory acidosis, and in 1 case, they administered furosemide. In 1 case, they started cisatracurium, and in 3 others, they initiated inhaled epoprostenol. Existing literature supports the use of CCT teams over ALS teams for transport of the most critically ill patients, and helicopter CCT is not always available or practical. Therefore, offering comparable air and ground options, with similar staffing and resources, is a hallmark of a mature medical system with an integrated approach to CCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan R Wilcox
- 1 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Michael Ries
- 2 Meducare Ground Transport, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ted A Bouthiller
- 2 Meducare Ground Transport, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - E Dean Berry
- 2 Meducare Ground Transport, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Travis L Dowdy
- 2 Meducare Ground Transport, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sharon DeGrace
- 2 Meducare Ground Transport, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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