[Prerequisites for the transfer of patients with gas gangrene to a specialized facility]

According to the cases reported in the GDR as well as in the FRG, 1-2 persons contract a gas gangrene infection per week. The lethality is alarmingly high. In the GDR more than two thirds of the patients die. Among the numerous factors influencing the prognosis time is a very important one. Through early detection, adequate immediate therapy and subsequent prompt transfer to a treatment centre with facilities for hyperbaric oxygenation, the chances of survival can be improved considerably. Some experiences with the transfer of 275 patients under the tentative diagnosis "gas gangrene" are described, together with the preparation and actual transfer to a specialized centre. For the detection of the disease the clinical symptoms are of greatest importance. The histological findings confirm the diagnosis, bacterioscopy also provides early results. To start treatment early, one cannot wait for the result of the microbiological detection of clostridia which is virtually necessary for exact diagnosis. The initiated treatment (rigorous surgical removal of the gas gangrene focus, antibacterial and intensive therapeutic measures) has to be continued without interruption during transport with a rescue helicopter, aircraft or emergency ambulance. Medical care of the severely ill patient has to be provided throughout transportation. The practical measures are briefly described. The possibility for consultations should be used more frequently.