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Are accident flying squads also worthwhile for medical emergencies?
A R Cope1, A F Dove, T Kulendrarajah
1Accident Emergency Department, Nottingham University Hospital.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Flying squads provide pre-hospital emergency care, but this study found no significant survival benefit for trauma patients. While beneficial for training and community relations, alternative pre-hospital care strategies are also considered.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Pre-hospital Care
- Trauma Management
Background:
- Flying squads provide advanced pre-hospital care.
- Assessing their impact on patient outcomes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of flying squad pre-hospital care on outcomes in medical emergencies and trauma.
- To explore the broader value of flying squads.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 208 flying squad attendances.
- Comparison of expected versus observed mortality and Injury Severity Score in trauma patients.
Main Results:
- 26% of cases were medical emergencies; 11.5% required cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- No significant survival enhancement was observed in trauma patients due to flying squad presence.
- Only one of four successful resuscitations survived to leave the hospital.
Conclusions:
- Flying squads may offer benefits in training and community perception, despite limited impact on trauma survival.
- Alternative pre-hospital care models, such as advanced trained ambulance services and bystander resuscitation, warrant consideration.
- The overall benefit of flying squads, though difficult to quantify, is felt to be positive by the authors.