Temperature Elevation During Neonatal and Pediatric Fixed Wing Transport in a Subtropic Climate: A Descriptive Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Transport Medicine
• Environmental Health
• Aeromedical Evacuation

Background:

• Interfacility transport of children via fixed-wing aircraft is common.
• Subtropical climates present unique environmental challenges during transport.
• Understanding temperature fluctuations in pediatric patients during air transport is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify temperature elevation (∆T) in children transported by fixed-wing aircraft in Florida.
• To investigate the relationship between patient weight and ∆T during aeromedical transport.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of children (<18 years) transported via fixed-wing aircraft (Jan 2016-Jul 2020).
• Analysis of temperature elevation (∆T), maximum patient temperature, ambient temperature, and heat index.
• Comparison of cohorts based on patient weight (≤5 kg vs. >5 kg) using statistical analyses.

Main Results:

• Children ≤5 kg experienced significantly greater ∆T (0.8°C vs. 0.2°C) and higher maximum temperatures compared to those >5 kg.
• 36% of children ≤5 kg had a ∆T ≥1°C, versus 3% of children >5 kg.
• Patient weight was inversely associated with a ∆T ≥1°C (OR 0.69), with an optimal cutoff of 3.5 kg.

Conclusions:

• Young children, particularly those weighing less than 5 kg, are at a higher risk for environmental hyperthermia during fixed-wing aircraft transport.
• Weight is a significant factor influencing temperature changes in pediatric patients during aeromedical evacuation.
• Findings underscore the need for targeted environmental monitoring and management strategies for neonates and infants during air transport.