Factors Associated With Early Discharge in Pediatric Trauma Patients Transported by Rotor: A Retrospective Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Pediatric Trauma Care
• Medical Transport Safety

Background:

• Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) are vital for rapid pediatric trauma patient transport.
• HEMS transport carries significant risks and costs, yet patient outcomes are infrequently studied.
• Investigating outcomes for pediatric trauma patients transported by HEMS is crucial for optimizing resource allocation and patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the characteristics of pediatric trauma patients discharged within 24 hours after HEMS transport.
• To identify factors associated with a shorter hospital stay for pediatric trauma patients.
• To inform triage criteria and HEMS utilization for pediatric trauma cases.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, retrospective analysis of pediatric trauma patients transported by HEMS between 2019 and 2022.
• Analysis of patient demographics, vital signs, Shock Index, Pediatric Age-Adjusted scores, and management details.
• Comparison of factors between patients discharged within 24 hours and those with longer stays.

Main Results:

• Out of 466 pediatric trauma patients, 171 (36.7%) were discharged within 24 hours.
• Patients discharged early had higher Glasgow Coma Scale scores (14 vs. 11) and lower Injury Severity Scores (4.9 vs. 14.7).
• Early discharge patients required less prehospital resuscitation, had higher serum calcium, and were less likely to need level 1 trauma activation or critical interventions.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric trauma patients with high Glasgow Coma Scale and low Injury Severity Scores may be suitable for lower-acuity transport.
• Current triage criteria for HEMS may need refinement for pediatric trauma patients.
• Further research is essential to improve HEMS triage and utilization protocols for better patient outcomes.