A description of events associated with scene response by helicopter based medical retrieval teams.
The critical incident technique, used in critical care related medical specialities as a quality tool, may be applicable for evaluation of pre hospital care for injured patients. This study describes events documented by medically staffed retrieval teams that occurred during a scene response. Incidents were defined as events, which may have or did reduce the safety margin for the patient and/or retrieval team. Positive events were defined as events that actually did, or had the potential to, positively influence the outcome for the patient and/or retrieval team task.257 patient transport records had documented events (216 incidents, 41 positive), 35.6% had multiple events. Doctor's experience correlated with event documentation, R(2)=0.614 (P<0.0001). Incidents occurred mostly during team dispatch, prior to arrival and whilst team was at the scene. Equipment related incidents accounted for 24.3% of incidents. Winch incidents accounted for 12% of equipment incidents. Environmental factors were associated with 14.3% of incidents. In conclusion, the description of events associated with a scene response can be used for quality evaluation. Incidents and positive events should be evaluated. Future evaluation can benefit by incorporating detailed information from a broader cross-section of retrieval organisations.
NSW Medical Retrieval Service, CareFlight, P.O. Box 159, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia. arthas.flabouris@swsahs.nsw.gov.au
Arthas
A
Flabouris
D017732:Air Ambulances; D004282:Documentation; D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards