A description of events associated with scene response by helicopter based medical retrieval teams

The critical incident technique, used in critical care related medical specialities as a quality tool, may be applicable for evaluation of pre hospital care for injured patients. This study describes events documented by medically staffed retrieval teams that occurred during a scene response. Incidents were defined as events, which may have or did reduce the safety margin for the patient and/or retrieval team. Positive events were defined as events that actually did, or had the potential to, positively influence the outcome for the patient and/or retrieval team task.257 patient transport records had documented events (216 incidents, 41 positive), 35.6% had multiple events. Doctor's experience correlated with event documentation, R(2)=0.614 (P<0.0001). Incidents occurred mostly during team dispatch, prior to arrival and whilst team was at the scene. Equipment related incidents accounted for 24.3% of incidents. Winch incidents accounted for 12% of equipment incidents. Environmental factors were associated with 14.3% of incidents. In conclusion, the description of events associated with a scene response can be used for quality evaluation. Incidents and positive events should be evaluated. Future evaluation can benefit by incorporating detailed information from a broader cross-section of retrieval organisations.