Pre-hospital care & interfacility transport of 385 COVID-19 emergency patients: an air ambulance perspective

Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

Leif Rognås¹  Jürgen Knapp²  Peter Hilbert-Carius³  Fikri Abu-Zidan⁴  Désirée Braun⁵  Jörg Braun⁵  Didier Dandrifosse⁶  Jörn Adler⁶  Patrick Adamczuk⁶  Roland Albrecht⁷  Urs Pietsch⁷ 

[1] Department of Anaesthesia, Aarhus University Hospital;Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern;Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Pain Therapy, BG-Klinikum Bergmannstrost Halle (Saale);Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Science, UAE University;Faculty of Medicine -Wissenschaftlicher Arbeitskreis der DRF Stiftung Luftrettung (German Air Rescue) gemeinnützige AG;LAR-Luxembourg Air Rescue;Swiss Air Rescue Rega;

关键词: COVID-19;    Infection;    Medical staff;    Helicopter;    Fixed wing aircraft;    Prevention;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13049-020-00789-8

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background COVID-19, the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, is challenging healthcare systems worldwide. Little is known about problems faced by emergency medical services—particularly helicopter services—caring for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. We aimed to describe the issues faced by air ambulance services in Europe as they transport potential COVID-19 patients. Methods Nine different HEMS providers in seven different countries across Europe were invited to share their experiences and to report their data regarding the care, transport, and safety measures in suspected or confirmed COVID-19 missions. Six air ambulance providers in six countries agreed and reported their data regarding development of special procedures and safety instructions in preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic. Four providers agreed to provide mission related data. Three hundred eighty-five COVID-19-related missions were analysed, including 119 primary transport missions and 266 interfacility transport missions. Results All providers had developed special procedures and safety instructions in preparation for COVID-19. Ground transport was the preferred mode of transport in primary missions, whereas air transport was preferred for interfacility transport. In some countries the transport of COVID-19 patients by regular air ambulance services was avoided. Patients in interfacility transport missions had a significantly higher median (range) NACA Score 4 (2-5) compared with 3 (1-7), needed significantly more medical interventions, were significantly younger (59.6 ± 16 vs 65 ± 21 years), and were significantly more often male (73% vs 60.5%). Conclusions All participating air ambulance providers were prepared for COVID-19. Safe care and transport of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients is achievable. Most patients on primary missions were transported by ground. These patients were less sick than interfacility transport patients, for whom air transport was the preferred method.

【 授权许可】

Unknown