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Ong SJ, Koh CH. Aeromedical Transportation of the Critically Ill Cardiac Patient: In-flight Considerations and Management. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:101855. [PMID: 37321282 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The aeromedical transportation (AMT) of critically ill cardiac patients can enable access to advanced specialized medical attention, or provide improved care for operational, psychosocial, political, or economic reasons. However, AMT is a complex undertaking necessitating extensive clinical, operational, administrative, and logistical planning to ensure that the patient receives an equivalent level of critical care monitoring and management in the air as on the ground. This paper is the second of a 2-part series. Part 1 focused on the preflight planning and preparation for critically ill cardiac patients during AMT aboard commercial platforms, while this current part aims to provide an overview of in-flight considerations for the same population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Jocelyn Ong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Choong Hou Koh
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Duke-NUS School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Changi Aviation Medical Centre, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
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Lavender SA, Kachlan A, Pennells SE, Spence D. Evaluating the Efficacy of a New Alternating Pressure Air Mattress Aimed at Reducing Pressure Injuries During the Transport of Combat Casualties. Mil Med 2023; 188:3026-3033. [PMID: 35488845 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of pressure ulcers during aeromedical transport of combat casualties is an issue that continues to exist, especially during long transport flights. This study investigated the potential for a new intervention, an air-inflated insulating mattress pad (IMP) that has a pump system designed to alternate the pressurization of air cells under the patient, thus temporally shifting the pressure concentration locations. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a repeated measures design study, 12 participants experienced the following four simulated transport conditions, each for 90 minutes: (1) The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) litter by itself (control condition), (2) the NATO litter covered with the standard mattress pad (Warrior Evacuation Pad), (3) the NATO litter covered with the air-inflated mattress (IMP), and (4) the NATO litter, covered with the standard mattress pad that was covered by the insulating mattress pad. Peak pressure readings were obtained every 15 seconds under the head, torso, pelvis, legs, and heels. RESULTS While both mattress pads significantly reduced the peak pressures relative to the litter-only condition, the new IMP with the alternating cell pressurizations, by itself or in combination with the standard mattress pad, further reduced the peak pressures under the regions with the localized highest pressures, namely the head, pelvis, and heels. Moreover, the IMP with alternating pressure introduced the most variability in the peak pressure readings, which reduces the peak pressure exposure periods for specific tissue locations. CONCLUSIONS The IMP with alternating cell pressurizations could further reduce the likelihood of pressure injuries during aeromedical transport of combat casualties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Lavender
- Integrated Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Anas Kachlan
- Integrated Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Bridges E, Whitney J, Metter D, Burr R. Prevention of pressure injuries during military aeromedical evacuation or prolonged field care: A randomized trial. Nurs Outlook 2022; 70:S115-S126. [PMID: 36585058 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2022.08.009] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During military aeromedical evacuation (AE) and prolonged field care (PFC), casualties are at increased pressure injury (PI) risk. Operational PI mitigation strategies research is limited. PURPOSE Using multiple factors, this study examined Mepilex/LiquiCell effects on PI risk under simulated AE/PFC. METHODS Healthy adults were stratified by body fat (%) and randomized to six groups on three surfaces. Set A: Warrior Evacuation Litter Pad (WELP) with/without Mepilex; Set B: Vacuum Spine Board (VSB) with/without Mepilex; Set C: Talon litter with/without LiquiCell. Two hours supine (loaded) was needed. OUTCOMES Sacral skin transcutaneous tissue oxygen (TcPO2), temperature, moisture, interface pressure, interleukin-1α/Total Protein. FINDINGS 54 participants. Sets A/B: No Mepilex effects; temperature increased 2.5°C. Set C: No LiquiCell effects. Significant ΔTcPO2 (unloaded-loaded), with 100% impaired perfusion; temperature increased 1.2°C. DISCUSSION Multiple risk factors for PI mitigating strategies must consider. Talon with increased pressure/impaired perfusion but smaller temperature/moisture changes; WELP/VSB with increased temperature/moisture but lower pressure/adequate perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Bridges
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle Washington, USA; United States Air Force Nurse Corps (ret).
| | - JoAnne Whitney
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle Washington, USA
| | - Debra Metter
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle Washington, USA
| | - Robert Burr
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle Washington, USA
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Chung ML, Widdel M, Kirchhoff J, Sellin J, Jelali M, Geiser F, Mücke M, Conrad R. Risk Factors for Pressure Injuries in Adult Patients: A Narrative Synthesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020761. [PMID: 35055583 PMCID: PMC8776011 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Pressure injuries remain a serious health complication for patients and nursing staff. Evidence from the past decade has not been analysed through narrative synthesis yet. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Complete, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and other reviews/sources were screened. Risk of bias was evaluated using a slightly modified QUIPS tool. Risk factor domains were used to assign (non)statistically independent risk factors. Hence, 67 studies with 679,660 patients were included. In low to moderate risk of bias studies, non-blanchable erythema reliably predicted pressure injury stage 2. Factors influencing mechanical boundary conditions, e.g., higher interface pressure or BMI < 18.5, as well as factors affecting interindividual susceptibility (male sex, older age, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, diabetes, hypotension, low physical activity, existing pressure injuries) and treatment-related aspects, such as length of stay in intensive care units, were identified as possible risk factors for pressure injury development. Health care professionals' evidence-based knowledge of above-mentioned risk factors is vital to ensure optimal prevention and/or treatment. Openly accessible risk factors, e.g., sex, age, BMI, pre-existing diabetes, and non-blanchable erythema, can serve as yellow flags for pressure injury development. Close communication concerning further risk factors, e.g., anemia, hypoalbuminemia, or low physical activity, may optimize prevention and/or treatment. Further high-quality evidence is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Long Chung
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.G.); (R.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Manuel Widdel
- Institute of Product Development and Engineering De sign, Technische Hochschule Köln, 50679 Cologne, Germany; (M.W.); (J.K.); (M.J.)
| | - Julian Kirchhoff
- Institute of Product Development and Engineering De sign, Technische Hochschule Köln, 50679 Cologne, Germany; (M.W.); (J.K.); (M.J.)
| | - Julia Sellin
- Department of Digitalization and General Practice, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Mohieddine Jelali
- Institute of Product Development and Engineering De sign, Technische Hochschule Köln, 50679 Cologne, Germany; (M.W.); (J.K.); (M.J.)
| | - Franziska Geiser
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Martin Mücke
- Department of Digitalization and General Practice, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Rupert Conrad
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.G.); (R.C.)
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Araiza A, Duran M, Surani S, Varon J. Aeromedical Transport of Critically Ill Patients: A Literature Review. Cureus 2021; 13:e14889. [PMID: 34109078 PMCID: PMC8180199 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The aeromedical transport of critically ill patients has become an integral part of practicing medicine on a global scale. The development of reliable portable medical equipment allows physicians, emergency medical technicians, and nurses to transport wounded and diseased patients under constant critical care attention. Air transportation involves utilizing a fixed-wing (airplane) or rotor-wing (helicopter) aircraft to accomplish different types of transports ranging from scene responses to international transfers. The proper preparation and management of patients undergoing aeromedical transport require a basic understanding of the physiological changes and unique challenges encountered within the aircraft environment at 8,000 ft above sea level. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and provide guidelines for approaching the aeromedical transportation of critically ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Araiza
- Critical Care, United Memorial Medical Center, Houston, USA.,Centro Universitario Médico Asistencial y de Investigación (CUMAI), Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tijuana, MEX.,Internal Medicine, Dorrington Medical Associates, Houston, USA
| | - Melanie Duran
- Critical Care, United Memorial Medical Center, Houston, USA.,Internal Medicine, Dorrington Medical Associates, Houston, USA
| | - Salim Surani
- Internal Medicine, Corpus Christi Medical Center, Corpus Christi, USA.,Internal Medicine, University of North Texas, Dallas, USA
| | - Joseph Varon
- Critical Care, United Memorial Medical Center, Houston, USA.,Critical Care, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA.,Critical Care, United General Hospital, Houston, USA
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Choi HJ, Kim HI. Introduction and characteristics of helicopter emergency medical services. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2020. [DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2020.63.4.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) are a part of air medical services. The transportation of patients using helicopters or airplanes is a core element of the air medical services. HEMS have developed from militarybased transportation, which used helicopters on the battlefield. HEMS have played an important role in properly transporting critical patients before the golden time elapses. The optimal strategies for the operation of HEMS at any emergency medical system are dependent on the characteristics of the regional emergency medical system, diversitiy of HEMS organizations, and the legal background of each country. Therefore, every participant, including the government, medical personnel, and HEMS organizations, should concentrate their efforts toward the establishment of HEMS. Other than the factors related to patients, the key element in facilitating the establishment of HEMS is the safety of the flight and crew members.
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