Abstract 2: Cardiac Arrest During Aeromedical Transport: A 5-year Retrospective Case Review

ConclusionsIn this cohort, OHCA occurred in 92 adult patients over 5 years, with approximately two thirds medical and one third traumatic in nature. Initial rhythm was rarely shockable, but sustained ROSC was achieved in almost half the patients. Almost 4 in 10 patients had multiple cardiac arrests under AEMS care, and initial arrest was most likely to occur prior to air transport as opposed to in flight. A high proportion of patients achieving ROSC is possible, even with relatively low rates of shockable initial rhythm. This study suggests that while cardiac arrest in flight is rare, medical teams must be prepared to handle both medical and traumatic arrests as well as multiple arrests during the course of air transport.
Source: Air Medical Journal - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research