Adverse Events During Helicopter Transport of Ventilated Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Seymour Christopher W, Kahn Jeremy M, Schwab C William, Fuchs Barry D
Primary Institution: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Hypothesis
Major adverse events would be rare during rotary-wing transport of mechanically ventilated patients.
Conclusion
Major adverse events are rare during interfacility, rotary-wing transfer of critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Six hundred eighty-two interfacility flights occurred during the period of review.
- Forty patients (22%) experienced a minor physiologic adverse event.
- No major adverse events occurred during flight.
- Vasopressor requirement prior to flight and flight distance were associated with the presence of adverse events in-flight.
Takeaway
Transporting patients on ventilators by helicopter is generally safe, but some may have minor issues during the flight, especially if they are on certain medications or if the flight is longer.
Methodology
A retrospective review of flight records of mechanically ventilated patients transported by rotary-wing from 2001 to 2003.
Potential Biases
Variability in documentation of adverse events may have occurred due to differences in flight crews.
Limitations
The study is limited to a single referral center and may not be generalizable to other transport methods or longer distances.
Participant Demographics
Patients were primarily adults with a mean age of 55 years, and 45% were female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website