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An objective analysis of an accident flying squad
P M Dark1, K Little, D J Steedman
1Faculty of Undergraduate Medicine, University of Manchester.
Scottish Medical Journal
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Accident flying squads improved trauma patient survival when treated at the scene, a novel finding. Cardiac arrest survival was 11.1% for those treated on-scene, supporting advanced ambulance training.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Trauma Care
- Pre-hospital Care
Background:
- Objective evaluation of accident flying squads is challenging.
- Previous studies have not documented survival improvements for trauma cases treated at the scene.
- The profile of medical emergency call-outs for these squads requires description.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively evaluate an accident flying squad's performance.
- To assess patient survival rates for trauma call-outs.
- To describe the profile of medical emergency call-outs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Injury Severity Score (ISS) for trauma case evaluation.
- Employed the Revised Trauma Score and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) methodology.
- Analyzed data from a six-month period of accident flying squad operations.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated improved patient survival for trauma cases receiving on-scene treatment.
- Documented an 11.1% survival rate for cardiac arrest patients treated at the scene.
- Identified ventricular fibrillation as the primary arrhythmia in cardiac arrest survivors.
Conclusions:
- On-scene treatment by accident flying squads improves trauma patient survival.
- Findings support the need for extended training for ambulance personnel.
- Further objective evaluation of flying squads for medical emergencies is warranted.