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Aeromedical Evacuation Using Extra Corporeal Life Support After Resuscitated Cardiac Arrest
David Gerard1, Hervé Raffin, Guillaume Lebreton
1Medic'Air International, Bagnolet, France.
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance
|May 19, 2017
Summary
Mobile medical teams can now provide advanced life support abroad. This case demonstrates successful international air ambulance evacuation using extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for a patient with cardiac arrest.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Aerospace Medicine
Background:
- Extra corporeal life support (ECLS) is a primary treatment for refractory cardiogenic shock.
- Mobile circulatory support teams are crucial for implanting ECLS/ECMO in unstable patients.
- Current practice involves transporting patients to specialized centers for ECLS implantation.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old woman experienced cardiac arrest while on holiday in Turkey.
- Local hospital lacked advanced cardiac care facilities, and patient transfer was initially refused.
- A specialized mobile medical team traveled internationally to provide ECLS at the patient's bedside.
Findings:
- The mobile team successfully implemented ECLS in a foreign country.
- The patient was repatriated via air ambulance to Belgium for further care.
- The patient showed significant neurological and clinical improvement post-intervention.
Implications:
- This case highlights the feasibility of international ECLS deployment and aeromedical evacuation.
- It expands the possibilities for medical assistance in remote or underserved international locations.
- Such interventions require careful case-by-case evaluation of medical necessity and risk-benefit.
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