Air medical journal
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Air medical journal · Jul 2004
Comparative StudyAir medical transport of severely head-injured patients undergoing paramedic rapid sequence intubation.
The San Diego Paramedic Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) Trial documented an increase in mortality with paramedic RSI of patients with severe traumatic brain injury. This analysis explores the impact of air medical transport of trial patients on outcome. ⋯ Air medical transport of severely head-injured patients undergoing paramedic RSI was associated with improved outcomes. Improved ventilation by capnometry may account for part of these improvements.
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A recent study in the Journal of Neurosurgery demonstrates decreased mortality rates in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) treated at tertiary care centers with higher volumes of SAH patients.(1) As clinical research in emergency and critical care increases, so will its impact on transport systems. In recent years, advances in cardiology, interventional radiology, surgery, and emergency care all have had major influences in the triage and transport of critically ill and injured patients. ⋯ It discusses the transition from initial research and national recommendations for emergent thrombolytic therapy through the development and implementation of prehospital triage protocols. The authors hope it will offer some guidance in dealing with these rapidly emerging and often complicated transport decisions.