Aviat Space Envir Md
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Dec 2011
Helicopter type and accident severity in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services missions.
Whereas accident rates and fatal accident rates for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) were investigated sufficiently, resulting consequences for the occupants remain largely unknown. The present study aimed to classify HEMS accidents in Germany to prognosticate accident severity with regard to the helicopter model used. ⋯ Use of the helicopter models EC135 and BK117 resulted in a high percentage of uninjured occupants. In contrast, the fatality rate was highest for the models Bell UH-I D, Bell 222, and Bell 412. Data from the present study allow for estimating accident risk in HEMS missions and prognosticating resulting fatalities, respectively.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Dec 2011
Symptom-based categorization of in-flight passenger medical incidents.
The majority of in-flight passenger medical events are managed by cabin crew. Our study aimed to evaluate the reliability of cabin crew reports of in-flight medical events and to develop a symptom-based categorization system. ⋯ Cabin crew records provide reliable data regarding in-flight passenger medical incidents, complementary to diagnosis-based systems, and allow the use of currently underutilized data. The categorization system provides a means for tracking passenger medical incidents internationally and an evidence base for cabin crew first aid training.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Dec 2011
Spontaneous pneumocephalus after commercial air travel complicated by meningitis.
Pneumocephalus usually results from trauma, infection, neoplasm, or iatrogenic causes. Barotrauma-induced spontaneous pneumocephalus is extremely rare, usually seen in divers or occassionally with air travel. ⋯ Changes in aircraft cabin pressure likely resulted in rupture of dura and arachnoid layers beneath the pre-existing bony defect, predisposed by existing sinus disease. The pathophysiology, implications, and potential sources of spontaneous pneumocephalus, as well as risks of postcraniotomy and post-trauma air-travel, are discussed.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Dec 2011
Recovery of hormonal, blood lipid, and hematological profiles from a North Pole expedition.
This study examined the recovery patterns of hormonal, blood lipid, and hematological profiles following strenuous physical loading, continuous extreme cold exposure and energy deficit induced by a North Pole expedition. ⋯ Although the expedition generated extreme physical stress, this was not directly reflected on hormonal recovery times as it was similar to other much less strenuous events. Despite important variations, all hormones returned to baseline values within 2 wk. Nonetheless, physical stress would appear to have more long-term effects on blood lipid and hematological profiles.