Citation

Corniche J, Pasquier M, Yersin B, Kern C, Schoettker P. Air Med. J. 2012; 31(2): 87-91.

Affiliation

Anesthesiology Department, University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.amj.2011.08.003

PMID

22386101

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: We sought to study the operational and medical aspects of helicopter rescue missions involving the use of a winch. SETTING: A single helicopter-based medical service of a pre-alpine region of Switzerland. METHODS: We prospectively studied consecutive primary rescue interventions involving winching of a physician, from October 1, 1998 to October 1, 2002. Demographic, medical and operational aspects as well as outcome at 48 hours were analyzed. RESULTS: We included 133 patients. Most (74%) were male, with traumatic injuries (77%). The median scene time of the nine severely injured patients (Injury Severity Scale [ISS] > 15) was significantly longer compared with the other patients (54 vs 37 minutes; P < .05). The main medical procedures performed were orotracheal intubation (n = 5), fracture reductions (n = 5), major analgesia with sedation (n = 4), and intravenous fluid administration of more than 1,500 mL (n = 4). Fourteen (10%) patients suffering from minor injuries were triaged by the physician and not airlifted to the hospital. All 133 patients were alive at 48 hours. Sixty-nine (52%) were still hospitalized. No secondary interhospital transfer was required. CONCLUSION: Our study provides a better knowledge of injury profile, medical aspects, and outcomes of patients rescued necessitating a winching procedure.

Language: en