Characteristics of patients transported by an air ambulance critical care team

Emerg Med J. 2013 May;30(5):419-20. doi: 10.1136/emermed-2011-200486. Epub 2012 May 29.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to review patients conveyed by the Great Western Air Ambulance to its main receiving hospital.

Methods: Retrospective data were collected for all patients transferred to Frenchay Hospital by the Great Western Air Ambulance between 1 June 2008 and 1 March 2010.

Results: 115 patients were included in the review. Patients were conveyed up to 85 km, 79% bypassing the closest emergency department (ED). 51% of these patients had major trauma and 35% were intubated at the scene. On arrival, the mean time to CT scan was 78 min, reduced to 63 min for those with a head injury. 16% of patients were discharged from the ED.

Conclusions: This review provides an overview of the characteristics of patients transferred to a major receiving hospital by a prehospital critical care team.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Air Ambulances / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Critical Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • England
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult