Critical Considerations for Fixed-Wing Air Medical Transports

The need to move ill or injured patients from one location to another by air isn’t a new concept. Injured soldiers were among the first patients in history to be transported by air to a medical facility, beginning with the use of hot air balloons in 1784.1 Since fixed-wing aircraft were developed in 1903, the use of these engineering marvels for patient transport has seen incredible advances. Although an invaluable resource, in addition to the medical care required on the ground, there are important physiologic changes that occur at higher altitudes and must be considered by the transport personnel. Some of the physiologic changes include, but aren’t limited to, development of hypoxia, potential for gas expansion, and effects of gravitational forces. These impacts on patient homeostasis must be addressed prior to patient movement to ensure patient safety and provide for the best patient outcomes. The goal of this in-depth article is to educate clinicians on factors that must be addressed prior to, and during, the fixed-wing air medical transport of a patient. Patients with critical illness are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality when exposed to the stresses of air medical transport.2 Mayer reports that “between 24 and 70% of transferred patients are inadequately stabilized prior to and during transfer.”3 Therefore, appropriate pre-flight patient preparation is imperative to patient safety and successful patient transport. History of Fixed-Wing Air Medical Tra...
Source: JEMS Patient Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Top Story Exclusive Articles Patient Care Operations Source Type: news